0001628280-18-000883.txt : 20180202 0001628280-18-000883.hdr.sgml : 20180202 20180202093014 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001628280-18-000883 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 40-F PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 10 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20171231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20180202 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20180202 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: Norbord Inc. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000877365 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: LUMBER & WOOD PRODUCTS (NO FURNITURE) [2400] IRS NUMBER: 999999999 STATE OF INCORPORATION: A6 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 40-F SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-37694 FILM NUMBER: 18568931 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1 TORONTO STREET STREET 2: SUITE 600 CITY: TORONTO STATE: A6 ZIP: M5C2W4 BUSINESS PHONE: 416-643-8820 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1 TORONTO STREET STREET 2: SUITE 600 CITY: TORONTO STATE: A6 ZIP: M5C2W4 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: NORBORD INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20040707 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: NEXFOR INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20000418 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: NORANDA FOREST INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19940224 40-F 1 a2017q4osb-40f.htm 40-F 2017 Document


 
 
 
 
U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 40-F

(Check One)
Registration statement pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
or
ý
Annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017
Commission file number: 001-37694
NORBORD INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
Canada
 
2,400
 
Not Applicable
(Province or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number
(if applicable))
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
1 Toronto Street, Suite 600
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5C 2W4
(416) 365-0705
(Address and Telephone Number of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)
Torys LLP
1114 Avenue of the Americas
23rd Floor
New York, New York 10036
Attention: Andrew J. Beck
(212) 880-6010
(Name, Address (Including Zip Code) and Telephone Number (Including Area Code)
of Agent For Service in the United States)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
Title of Each Class
 
Name Of Exchange On Which Registered
Common Shares, Without Par Value
 
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
For annual reports, indicate by check mark the information filed with this Form:
ý  Annual Information Form
 
ý  Audited Annual Financial Statements
 
 
 
_________________________________________________
 
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: 86,402,076 common shares.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act 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  ý            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  ý
Emerging growth company   ☐

 




If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐


-2-



FORM 40-F
Principal Documents
The following documents, filed as Exhibits 99.1 through 99.3 hereto, are hereby incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 40-F (this “Form 40-F”):
(a)
Annual Information Form, dated February 1, 2018 for the Year Ended December 31, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto);
(b)
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the Annual Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the Year Ended December 31, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 99.2 hereto); and
(c)
Annual Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the Year Ended December 31, 2017, and the Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed as     Exhibit 99.3 hereto).
NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This document includes forward-looking statements, as defined by applicable securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believes,” “expects,” “does not expect,” “targets,” “outlook,” “scheduled,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “aims,” “predicts,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or negative versions thereof or statements that certain actions, events or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Norbord Inc. (“Norbord”) to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, comments with respect to: (1) outlook for the markets for products; (2) expectations regarding future product pricing; (3) outlook for operations; (4) expectations regarding mill capacity; (5) objectives; (6) strategies to achieve those objectives; (7) expected financial results including the expected results of the Margin Improvement Program ("MIP"); (8) sensitivity to changes in product prices, such as the price of oriented strand board (“OSB”); (9) sensitivity to changes in foreign exchange rates; (10) sensitivity to key input prices, such as the price of fibre, resin, wax and energy; (11) expectations regarding compliance with environmental regulations; (12) expectations regarding income tax rates; (13) expectations regarding contingent liabilities and guarantees, including the outcome of pending litigation; (14) expectations regarding the amount, timing and benefits of capital investments; (15) expectations regarding the amount and timing of dividend payments; and (16) historical, forecasted and other forward-looking information published by third parties such as the U.S. Census Bureau, FEA (Forest Economic Advisors, LLC), APA – The Engineered Wood Association, Office for National Statistics and EUROCONSTRUCT which we may refer to but have not independently verified.
Although Norbord believes it has a reasonable basis for making these forward-looking statements, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. By its nature, forward-looking information involves numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, which contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts and other forward-looking statements will not occur. These factors include, but are not limited to: (1) assumptions in connection with the economic and financial conditions in the US, Europe, Canada and globally; (2) risks inherent to product concentration; (3) effects of competition and product pricing pressures; (4) risks inherent to customer dependence; (5) effects of variations in the price and availability of manufacturing inputs, including continued access to fiber resources at competitive prices; (6) availability of rail services and port facilities; (7) various events that could disrupt operations, including natural or catastrophic events and ongoing relations with employees; (8) impact of changes to, or non-compliance with, environmental regulations; (9) impact of any product liability claims in excess of insurance coverage; (10) risks inherent to a capital intensive industry; (11) impact of future outcomes of tax exposures; (12) effects of currency exposures and exchange rate fluctuations; (13) future operating costs; (14) availability of financing; (15) impact of future cross-border trade rulings or agreements; (16) ability to implement new or upgraded information technology infrastructure; and (17) impact of information technology service disruptions or failures.

-1-


The above list of important factors affecting forward-looking information is not exhaustive. Additional factors are noted elsewhere, and reference should be made to the other risks discussed in the Exhibits, incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement. Except as required by applicable law, Norbord does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by, or on behalf of, Norbord, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, or to publicly update or revise the above list of factors affecting this information. See the Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information statement in the Annual Information Form dated February 1, 2018, attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and the cautionary statement contained in the Forward-Looking Statements section of the 2017 Management’s Discussion and Analysis dated February 1, 2018, attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2.

-2-



ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURE
Certifications and Disclosure Regarding Controls and Procedures
 
(a)
Certifications. See Exhibits 99.4 through 99.7 to this Form 40-F.

(b)
Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
As of the end of Norbord’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, Norbord’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of Norbord’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based upon that evaluation, Norbord’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that as of the end of that fiscal year Norbord’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Norbord in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the registrant’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
It should be noted that, while Norbord’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer believe that Norbord’s disclosure controls and procedures provide a reasonable level of assurance that they are effective, they do not expect that Norbord’s disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
 
(c)
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
(1) Management of Norbord is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer and effected by the Board of Directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
(2) Management assessed the effectiveness of Norbord's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
(3) Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2017, Norbord’s internal control over financial reporting was effective. Also, management determined that there were no material weaknesses in Norbord's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.
(4) KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the registrant’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, has issued its opinion on Norbord's internal control over financial reporting (the “Attestation Report”).

(d)
Attestation Report of the Independent Registered public Accounting Firm.

The Attestation Report is included in Exhibit 99.3 attached hereto which is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 40-F.
 
(e)
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, there were no changes in Norbord’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Norbord’s internal control over financial reporting.
Notices Pursuant to Regulation BTR
None.

-3-



Audit Committee Financial Experts
Norbord’s board of directors has determined that each of Pierre Dupuis, Paul E. Gagne and Paul A. Houston, members of its audit committee, is an “audit committee financial expert” (as such term is defined in Form 40-F) and that each member is “independent” (as defined in the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”)).
Code of Ethics
Norbord has adopted a “code of ethics” (as that term is defined in Form 40-F), entitled Code of Business Conduct (the “Code of Conduct”), that applies to all of its directors, officers and designated employees.
The Code of Conduct, is available for viewing on Norbord’s website at www.Norbord.com and is available in print to any shareholder who requests it. Requests for copies of the Code of Conduct should be made by contacting: Elaine Toomey, Assistant Corporate Secretary, Norbord Inc., 1 Toronto Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5C 2W4, Telephone: (416) 365-0705, or by e-mail: info@norbord.com.

All amendments to the Code of Conduct, and all waivers of the Code of Conduct with respect to any director, officer or employee of Norbord, will be posted promptly on Norbord’s website.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information set forth under the heading “Audit Fees” in the Audit Committee section of Norbord’s annual information form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, is incorporated by reference herein.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The information required is included under the heading “External Audit” in Appendix A – Audit Committee – Terms of Reference of the registrant’s Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, incorporated by reference as Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report on Form 40-F.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Norbord does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements (as defined in General Instruction B.(11) of Form 40-F).
Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
The information provided in the registrant’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the Annual Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2, contains Norbord’s disclosure of contractual obligations and is incorporated by reference herein.
Identification of the Audit Committee
Norbord has a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The members of Norbord’s audit committee are: Paul E. Gagne, Paul A. Houston and Pierre Dupuis (Chairman).
Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
DIFFERENCES IN UNITED STATES AND CANADIAN REPORTING PRACTICES

-4-



Norbord is permitted, under a multijurisdictional disclosure system adopted by the United States, to prepare this Form 40-F in accordance with Canadian disclosure requirements, which are different from those of the United States.
Norbord’s Annual Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, attached hereto as Exhibit 99.3, have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Accordingly, Norbord’s financial statements, including those prepared after the date of this Form 40-F, may not be comparable to those prepared by U.S. companies. In addition, Norbord is not required to prepare a reconciliation of its financial statements between IFRS and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and has not quantified such differences, which may be significant.

-5-


NYSE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
As a foreign private issuer listed on the NYSE, Norbord is not required to comply with most of the NYSE corporate governance standards, so long as it complies with Canadian and Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) corporate governance requirements. In order to claim such an exemption, however, Norbord must disclose the significant differences between its corporate governance practices and those required to be followed by U.S. domestic companies under the NYSE corporate governance standards.
The following is a summary of the significant ways in which Norbord’s corporate governance practices differ from those required to be followed by U.S. domestic issuers under NYSE’s corporate governance standards. Except as described in this summary, Norbord is in compliance with the NYSE corporate governance standards in all significant respects.
Communications with Non-Management Directors
Shareholders may send communications to Norbord’s non-management directors by writing to the Audit Committee Chair, c/o Elaine Toomey, Assistant Corporate Secretary, Norbord Inc., 1 Toronto Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5C 2W4, Telephone: (416) 365-0705, E-mail: info@norbord.com or to ClearView Connects™, P.O. Box 11017, Toronto, Ontario M1E 1N0, Telephone: 1-866-608-7287, www.clearviewconnects.com. Communications will be referred to the Audit Committee Chair for appropriate action. The status of all outstanding concerns addressed to the Audit Committee Chair will be reported to the Board of Directors as appropriate.
Corporate Governance
According to Section 303A.09 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, a listed company must adopt and disclose a set of corporate governance guidelines with respect to specified topics. Such guidelines are required to be posted on the listed company’s website. Norbord operates under corporate governance principles that are consistent with the requirements of Section 303A.09 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual and Norbord’s corporate governance practices are available for viewing on its website at www.norbord.com under Corporate Governance.
Board and Committee Mandate
The mandates of Norbord’s Audit Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, Environmental, Health and Safety Committee and Human Resources Committee (Compensation) are each available for viewing on Norbord’s website at www.norbord.com/about-us/corporate-governance, and are available in print to any shareholder who requests them. Requests for copies of these documents should be made by contacting Elaine Toomey, Assistant Corporate Secretary, Norbord Inc., 1 Toronto Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5C 2W4, Telephone: (416) 365-0705, or E-mail: info@norbord.com.
Shareholder Meeting Quorum Requirements
The NYSE governance rules do not contain a minimum quorum requirement for a shareholder meeting, but is of the opinion that the quorum required for any meeting of shareholders should be sufficiently high to ensure a representative vote. Norbord’s quorum requirement is set forth in its By-Laws. A quorum for a meeting of Norbord’s shareholders is two persons present in person and each entitled to vote thereat.
Shareholder Approval Requirement
In lieu of Section 312 of the NYSE’s Listed Company Manual, Norbord will follow the TSX rules for shareholder approval of new issuances of its common shares. Following the TSX rules, shareholder approval is required for certain issuances of shares that (i) materially affect control of Norbord or (ii) provide consideration to insiders in aggregate of 10% or greater of the market capitalization of the listed issuer and have not been negotiated at arm’s length. Shareholder approval is also required, pursuant to the TSX rules, in the case of private placements (x) for an aggregate number of listed securities issuable greater than 25% of the number of securities of the listed issuer which are outstanding, on a non-diluted basis, prior to the date of closing of the transaction if the price per security is less than the market price or (y) that during any six month period are to insiders for listed securities or options, rights or other entitlements to listed securities greater than 10% of the number of securities of the listed issuer which are outstanding, on a non-diluted basis, prior to the date of the closing of the first private placement to an insider during the six month period.

-6-


Approval of Equity Compensation Plans
Section 303A.08 of the NYSE’s Listed Company Manual requires shareholder approval of all equity compensation plans and material revisions to such plans. The definition of “equity compensation plans” covers plans that provide for the delivery of both newly issued and treasury securities, as well as plans that rely on securities re-acquired in the open market by the issuing company for the purpose of redistribution to employees and directors. The TSX rules provide that only the creation of or certain material amendments to equity compensation plans that provide for new issuances of securities are subject to shareholder approval. Norbord follows the TSX rules with respect to the requirements for shareholder approval of equity compensation plans and material revisions to such plans.
Proxy Solicitation Requirements
The rules of the NYSE require the solicitation of proxies and delivery of proxy statements for all shareholder meetings of a listed company, and that proxies be solicited pursuant to a proxy statement that conforms to the proxy rules of the SEC. As a “foreign private issuer” as defined under the Exchange Act, Norbord is exempt from the proxy rules adopted by the SEC, and instead Norbord solicits proxies in accordance with the Canada Business Corporations Act, applicable Canadian securities laws, and the rules and policies of the TSX.


-7-



UNDERTAKING AND CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS
A.
Undertaking.

Norbord undertakes to make available, in person or by telephone, representatives to respond to inquiries made by the Commission staff, and to furnish promptly, when requested to do so by the Commission staff, information relating to: the securities registered pursuant to Form 40-F, the securities in relation to which the obligation to file an annual report on Form 40-F arises; or transactions in said securities.
B.
Consent to Service of Process.
(1)
Norbord has previously filed a Form F-X in connection with the class of securities in relation to which the obligation to file this report arises.
(2)
Any change to the name or address of the agent for service of Norbord shall be communicated promptly to the Commission by amendment to Form F-X referencing the file number of Norbord.

-8-



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: February 2, 2018
 
 
 
NORBORD INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ Robin E. Lampard
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name: Robin E. Lampard
 
 
 
 
 
 
Title: Chief Financial Officer




EXHIBIT INDEX
 
 
Exhibit
Description
 
 
99.1
Annual Information Form, dated February 1, 2018, for the Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
 
99.2
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the Annual Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
 
99.3
Annual Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the Year Ended December 31, 2017, and the Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
 
99.4
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 
99.5
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 
99.6
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
 
99.7
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
 
99.8
Consent of KPMG LLP

EX-99.1 2 a2017q4osb-ex991.htm EXHIBIT 99.1 Exhibit
Exhibit 99.1



NORBORD INC.
Annual Information Form
February 1, 2018







TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Page
 
 
CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
3

 
 
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
4

 
 
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
4

 
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
7

 
 
RISKS OF THE BUSINESS
11

 
 
CAPITAL STRUCTURE
15

 
 
DIVIDENDS
17

 
 
MARKET FOR SECURITIES
19

 
 
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
20

 
 
INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
21

 
 
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
22

 
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
22

 
 
AUDIT COMMITTEE
23

 
 
INTERESTS OF EXPERTS
23

 
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
24

 
 
GLOSSARY
25

 
 
Appendix A – Audit Committee – Terms of Reference
26


Norbord Inc.
2018 Annual Information Form
Page 2



Unless otherwise noted, all information contained in this Annual Information Form (AIF) is as at December 31, 2017.
All dollar amounts in this AIF are in US dollars unless otherwise specified.
In this AIF, “Norbord” means Norbord Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates. “Company” means Norbord Inc. as a separate corporation, unless the context implies otherwise.
“Brookfield” means collectively Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates (other than Norbord), a related party by virtue of a significant equity interest in the Company.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This document includes forward-looking statements, as defined by applicable securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believes,” “expects,” “targets,” “outlook,” “scheduled,” “estimates,” “represents,” “forecasts,” “aims,” “predicts,” “plans,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “intends”, “supports,” “continues,” “future” or variations of such words and phrases or negative versions thereof or statements that certain actions, events or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Norbord to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, comments with respect to: (1) outlook for the markets for products; (2) expectations regarding future product pricing; (3) outlook for operations; (4) expectations regarding mill capacity; (5) objectives; (6) strategies to achieve those objectives; (7) expected financial results including the expected results of the Margin Improvement Program (MIP); (8) sensitivity to changes in product prices, such as the price of OSB; (9) sensitivity to changes in foreign exchange rates; (10) sensitivity to key input prices, such as the price of fibre, resin, wax and energy; (11) expectations regarding compliance with environmental regulations; (12) expectations regarding income tax rates; (13) expectations regarding contingent liabilities and guarantees, including the outcome of pending litigation; (14) expectations regarding the amount, timing and benefits of capital investments; (15) expectations regarding the amount and timing of dividend payments; and (16) historical, forecasted and other forward-looking information published by third parties such as the US Census Bureau, FEA (Forest Economic Advisors, LLC), APA – The Engineered Wood Association, Office for National Statistics and EUROCONSTRUCT which the Company may refer to but has not independently verified.
Although Norbord believes it has a reasonable basis for making these forward-looking statements, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. By its nature, forward-looking information involves numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, which contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts and other forward-looking statements will not occur. These factors include, but are not limited to: (1) assumptions in connection with the economic and financial conditions in the US, Europe, Canada and globally; (2) risks inherent to product concentration and cyclicality; (3) effects of competition and product pricing pressures; (4) risks inherent to customer dependence; (5) effects of variations in the price and availability of manufacturing inputs, including continued access to fibre resources at competitive prices; (6) availability of transportation services, including rail services and port facilities; (7) various events that could disrupt operations, including natural or catastrophic events and ongoing relations with employees; (8) impact of changes to, or non-compliance with, environmental or other regulations; (9) impact of any product liability claims in excess of insurance coverage; (10) risks inherent to a capital intensive industry; (11) impact of future outcomes of tax exposures; (12) potential future changes in tax laws; (13) effects of currency exposures and exchange rate fluctuations; (14) future operating costs; (15) availability of financing; (16) impact of future cross-border trade rulings or agreements; (17) ability to implement new or upgraded information technology infrastructure; and (18) impact of information technology service disruptions or failures.
The above list of important factors affecting forward-looking information is not exhaustive. Additional factors are noted elsewhere, and reference should be made to the other risks discussed in filings with Canadian and United States securities regulatory authorities. Except as required by applicable law, Norbord does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by, or on behalf of, the Company, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, or to publicly update or revise the above list of factors affecting this information.
 


Norbord Inc.
2018 Annual Information Form
Page 3



CORPORATE STRUCTURE
Norbord Inc. was formed under the Canada Business Corporations Act on December 31, 1998 by the amalgamation of Noranda Forest Inc. and NFI Forest Holdings Ltd. The Company filed Articles of Arrangement and Restated Articles of Incorporation on June 30, 2004 to facilitate the transfer of its paper and timber business to a new public company, Fraser Papers Inc., and changed its name from Nexfor Inc. to Norbord Inc. The Company filed Articles of Amendment on October 16, 2009 in connection with its one for ten share consolidation effective the same date. On July 15, 2015, the Company filed Articles amalgamating Norbord Inc. and Ainsworth Lumber Co. Ltd. (Ainsworth).
The registered and principal office of Norbord Inc. is 1 Toronto Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2W4. Norbord is an international producer of wood-based panels with approximately 2,750 employees and 17 plant locations in the United States, Canada and Europe. Norbord has assets of approximately $2.1 billion, net sales of more than $2.1 billion, and is the world’s largest producer of OSB. In addition to OSB, Norbord manufactures particleboard, MDF and related value-added products.
As at February 1, 2018, Brookfield owned approximately 40% of the outstanding common shares (Common Shares) of the Company.
The principal operating subsidiaries of the Company are:
Name
 
Jurisdiction
of Incorporation
 
Percentage of
Voting
Securities
Owned

 
Date of
Incorporation
Norbord Alabama Inc.
 
Alabama
 
100
%
 
10/12/1999
Norbord Europe Ltd.
 
United Kingdom
 
100
%
 
4/12/2012
Norbord Georgia LLC
 
Delaware
 
100
%
 
12/31/2008
Norbord Minnesota Inc.
 
Delaware
 
100
%
 
12/20/2006
Norbord Mississippi LLC
 
Delaware
 
100
%
 
12/31/2008
Norbord NV
 
Belgium
 
100
%
 
5/28/2004
Norbord South Carolina Inc.
 
South Carolina
 
100
%
 
5/22/1998
Norbord Texas (Jefferson) Inc.
 
Delaware
 
100
%
 
12/20/2006
Norbord Texas (Nacogdoches) Inc.
 
Delaware
 
100
%
 
12/20/2006
There are no voting or non-voting securities issued by any of the Company’s subsidiaries that are not 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company.

GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
Changes in the Business 2015-2018
Inverness Project
In October 2017, construction was substantially completed and production commenced at the Company’s new Inverness, Scotland OSB line, with no disruption to existing production capacity. The Company had previously announced on January 28, 2016 a US $135 million investment to modernize and expand the mill, including moving the unused second press from its Grande Prairie, Alberta mill. The reinvested mill has a stated capacity of 720 million square feet (3/8-inch basis), an increase of 325 million square feet over the mill’s existing capacity.
Normal Course Issuer Bid
On October 27, 2017, the Company announced that it had received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) to renew its normal course issuer bid in accordance with TSX rules. Under the bid, the Company may purchase up to 5,142,773 of its Common Shares, representing 10% of the Company's public float of 51,427,739 as of October 20, 2017 (a total of 86,387,210 Common Shares were issued and outstanding). Purchases under the bid will terminate on the earlier of November 2, 2018,

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the date Norbord completes its purchases pursuant to the notice of intention to make a normal course issuer bid filed with the TSX or the date of notice by Norbord of termination of the bid. As of the date of this AIF, the Company had not made any purchases under this bid or the previous bid which expired on November 2, 2017. Shareholders may obtain a copy of the notice filed with the TSX authorizing the bid without charge, by contacting the Company at (416) 365-0705 or info@norbord.com.
In-kind Distribution
On October 13, 2017, Brookfield completed an in-kind distribution (the Distribution) of an aggregate of 7.1 million Common Shares of Norbord to investors in certain of its funds. Upon completion of the Distribution, Brookfield owned and controlled approximately 40% of Norbord Common Shares.
Huguley, Alabama
In October 2017, Norbord's Huguley, Alabama mill, which had been curtailed since 2009, restarted production.
Secondary Offering
On August 2, 2017, Brookfield and the Company entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters to complete a bought deal secondary offering of Norbord’s Common Shares (the Offering). Under the Offering, the syndicate agreed to purchase 3.6 million Common Shares from Brookfield at a purchase price of C $42.35 per Common Share. On August 9, 2017, upon the completion of the Offering, Brookfield owned, directly and indirectly, approximately 49% of Norbord's Common Shares (subsequently reduced to 40% following the Distribution described above). Norbord did not receive any proceeds from the Offering.
British Columbia Wildfires
On July 10, 2017, Norbord announced that its mill in 100 Mile House, British Columbia had temporarily suspended production in order to comply with evacuation orders due to wild fires burning nearby in the region.  The mill resumed operation approximately two weeks later. The curtailment did not materially impact Norbord's results.
Chambord Wood Allocation
On June 26, 2017, Norbord announced that the Quebec Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks had granted the Company a wood allocation for its curtailed Chambord, Quebec OSB mill that will take effect April 1, 2018. Norbord acquired the Chambord OSB mill in the fall of 2016 following an asset exchange (see Quebec mill exchange below). The Chambord mill was built in the 1980s and has a stated capacity of 470 million square feet (3/8-inch basis). Production from the mill was indefinitely curtailed in 2008 by its previous owner.
Repayment of Debt Securities
On February 15, 2017, the Company permanently repaid its $200 million senior secured notes upon maturity using cash on hand and temporary drawings on the accounts receivable securitization program which were repaid in the second quarter of 2017.
Quebec Mill Exchange
On October 28, 2016 the Company announced that it had reached an agreement with Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LP) to swap ownership of its mill in Val-d’Or for LP’s mill in Chambord, Quebec. Production at both mills has been curtailed for a number of years. The non-monetary asset exchange transaction closed November 3, 2016. The Chambord mill has a stated capacity of 470 million square feet (3/8-inch basis) and the Val-d’Or mill has a stated capacity of 340 million square feet (3/8-inch basis).
High Level Fire
On May 4, 2016, a fire started in the woodyard of the High Level, Alberta mill. Production was halted immediately while the fire was brought under control. The mill has an annual production capacity of 860 million square feet (3/8-inch basis) and has been ramping up toward full production since resuming operations in late 2013. The fire destroyed a portion of the mill’s log inventory. The mill returned to production approximately three weeks later. The claim was closed in 2017 and the Company recognized an insurance recovery of $18 million for the reimbursement of the lost log inventory, costs of fighting the fire, site restoration and business interruption.

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NYSE Listing
On February 16, 2016, the Company announced that its shares had been authorized for listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The shares began trading on the NYSE on February 19, 2016 under the symbol “OSB”. Concurrent with the NYSE listing, the Company changed its ticker symbol on the TSX to “OSB”.
Bank Line Amendments
In April 2016, the Company amended its committed revolving bank lines to increase the tangible net worth covenant to $500 million and extend the maturity date to May 2019. The bank lines are secured by a first lien on the Company’s North American OSB inventory and property, plant and equipment. This lien is shared pari passu with the holders of the 2020 and 2023 senior secured notes.
Merger with Ainsworth
On March 31, 2015, the Company's merger (the Merger) with Ainsworth was completed. Under the terms of the transaction, Norbord acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Ainsworth in an all-share transaction and Ainsworth shareholders received 0.1321 of a share of Norbord for each Ainsworth share. Norbord issued 31,830,328 Common Shares to Ainsworth shareholders on closing. Ainsworth common shares were de-listed from the TSX on April 2, 2015. A business acquisition report prepared in connection with the Merger was filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com.
Other Developments
In April 2015, the Company issued $315 million in senior secured notes due 2023 with an interest rate of 6.25%. The notes rank pari passu with the Company’s existing senior secured notes due in 2020 and committed revolving bank lines. The Company used the proceeds to redeem, prior to maturity, the outstanding $315 million senior secured notes of Ainsworth due in 2017 that were assumed upon closing of the Merger.
In April 2015, the Company amended its accounts receivable securitization program with a third-party trust sponsored by a highly rated Canadian financial institution, increasing the program commitment by $25 million to $125 million to reflect the Merger.


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DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
Principal Products and Markets
Norbord’s business comprises the manufacturing, sales, marketing and distribution of panelboards and related products used primarily in the construction of new homes or the renovation and repair of existing structures. In general, the business is affected by the level of housing starts, the level of home repairs, the availability and cost of financing, changes in industry capacity, changes in raw material prices, changes in foreign exchange rates (primarily the Canadian dollar, Pound Sterling and Euro currencies) and other operating costs.
Products are primarily sold to major retail chains, contractor supply yards and industrial users. Some mill products are sold to industrial customers for further processing or as components for other products. Norbord OSB products are sold in North America under the following brand names: Durastrand pointSIX®, Pinnacle® and Stabledge® (premium flooring), TruFlor pointSIX® and TruFlor® (commodity flooring), SteadiTred® (industrial), QuakeZone®, Tallwall®, Trubord™ and Windstorm™ (wall sheathing) and SolarBord™ (radiant barrier sheathing), TruDeck® (flat roof sheathing for large industrial/commercial buildings), and StableDeck® (utility trailer floors). In Europe, Norbord products are sold under the trademarks SterlingOSB® (OSB), Caberwood MDF® (MDF), Conti® and Caberboard® (particleboard).
The Company operates in North America and Europe. Sales revenues by geographic segment are determined based on the origin of shipment. In 2017, 80% of Norbord’s sales originated from North America (2016 – 77%) and 20% from Europe (2016 – 23%).
North America is the principal market destination for Norbord’s products. In 2017 and 2016, Norbord’s panel shipments by volume originated as follows:
 
 
 
2017

 
2016

North America
 
76
%
 
77
%
Europe
 
24
%
 
23
%
Total
 
100
%
 
100
%
OSB is used principally for sheathing, flooring and roofing in home construction. According to the APA – The Engineered Wood Association, OSB production represented approximately 67% of total 2017 North American structural panel production. In Europe, OSB’s share of the structural panel market is lower than in North America due mainly to different housing construction methods; however, OSB use is growing rapidly in Europe. Norbord’s particleboard is used primarily in flooring and other construction applications. MDF applications include cabinet doors, mouldings and interior wall paneling.
 

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Principal Operating Interests
Information regarding Norbord’s estimated annual production capacity is set forth in the following table. The estimated annual production capacity is based on normal operating rates and normal production mixes under current market conditions, taking into account known constraints, such as permit restrictions. Factors such as market conditions, fluctuations in raw material availability, mechanical interruptions and the nature of current orders may cause actual production rates and mixes to vary significantly from the estimated production rates and mixes used to derive the estimated annual capacities shown.
 
 
  MMsf-3/8”
Estimated         
Annual         
Capacity at         
Year-End         
2017         

 
 
OSB
 
100 Mile House, British Columbia
440

Barwick, Ontario
510

Bemidji, Minnesota
470

Chambord, Quebec(1)
470

Cordele, Georgia
990

Genk, Belgium
450

Grande Prairie, Alberta
730

Guntown, Mississippi
450

High Level, Alberta
860

Huguley, Alabama(2)
500

Inverness, Scotland(3)
720

Jefferson, Texas
415

Joanna, South Carolina
650

La Sarre, Quebec
375

Nacogdoches, Texas
380

 
8,410

Particleboard
 
Cowie, Scotland
405

South Molton, England
160

 
565

MDF
 
Cowie, Scotland
380

 
380

Total Panels
9,355

(1)
In November 2016, Norbord exchanged ownership of its Val-d’Or OSB mill for Louisiana-Pacific Corporation’s curtailed Chambord OSB mill (the Quebec Mill Exchange). Production at Chambord has been curtailed since the third quarter of 2008.
(2)
In January 2009, Norbord indefinitely curtailed production at its Huguley, Alabama OSB mill. The mill subsequently resumed operations in October 2017.
(3)
During the fourth quarter of 2017, the estimated annual capacity increased from 395 MMsf-3/8" based on the substantial completion of the Inverness expansion project.
In the US, Norbord employs multi-opening press technology at its Minnesota, Georgia, Mississippi, and two Texas OSB mills. Norbord employs continuous press technology at its South Carolina and Alabama OSB mills in the US. Continuous press technology allows for the production of OSB in non-standard sizes and with specialized performance characteristics. Most of the US mills’ production is sold in the domestic US market. All of these mills purchase their wood fibre requirements from outside sources with prices based on regional market dynamics. These mills are not unionized.
In Canada, Norbord also employs multi-opening press technology at its British Columbia OSB mill, one of the two Alberta (Grande Prairie) OSB mills, the Ontario OSB mill and the two Quebec OSB mills.
 

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Norbord employs continuous press technology at its other Alberta (High Level) OSB mill. A significant portion of the production of the Canadian mills is shipped to the US and offshore export markets (Western mills). The wood fibre requirements for these mills are obtained primarily from Crown land under long-term forest management agreements with the provincial governments and also from other outside sources, with prices based on regional market dynamics. The two Alberta mills are non-unionized and the other Canadian mills are unionized.
All employees in the North American operating mills, with the exception of 100 Mile House, British Columbia and Barwick, Ontario, participate in profit sharing programs whereby a percentage of each mill’s operating income is shared equally across all employees at that mill.
Norbord’s mill in Cowie, Scotland is a large operation with a continuous press MDF production line and a continuous press particleboard line. The South Molton, England particleboard mill employs single-opening press technology and is integrated with laminating operations and a flat-pack furniture manufacturing facility. The OSB mill in Inverness, Scotland employs two multi-opening press lines which were replaced with one state-of-the-art continuous press line put into production in the fourth quarter of 2017. All of Norbord’s UK mills purchase their wood fibre requirements from outside sources with prices based on regional market dynamics. These mills are all unionized.
The Genk, Belgium OSB mill employs continuous press technology. The Genk mill purchases its wood fibre requirements on the open market from a combination of public and private sources in the region. The mill is unionized.
Manufacturing Inputs
Wood fibre, resin, wax and energy are the principal raw material inputs used in the production of Norbord’s panelboard products.
Wood Fibre
Norbord does not own any timberlands and purchases timber, wood chips and other wood fibre as well as recycled materials on the open market in competition with other users of such resources.
Norbord’s wood fibre supply comes from several different sources. In the US, roundwood logs are primarily sourced from private and industry-owned woodlands. In Canada, Norbord holds forest licences and agreements to source roundwood logs from Crown timberlands, which are supplemented by open market and private purchases. In Europe, wood fibre is purchased from government and private landowners.
Resin and Wax
Resin and wax is sourced through tolling arrangements with outside suppliers with prices for the underlying feedstocks based on global indices. These feedstocks are widely-used industrial chemicals derived from oil and gas, such as benzene, phenol and methanol. Feedstock prices are influenced by global supply and demand conditions, and have exhibited significant volatility over time.
Energy
Norbord’s manufacturing processes generate residual wood material that cannot be used in the final product. This biomass material can be used as a renewable energy source to produce heat. Of the 28 million MMBTU in total energy requirements, approximately 80% or 22 million MMBTU of Norbord’s total manufacturing energy needs and all of Norbord’s OSB process heat requirements are met with renewable biomass fuel.
Norbord also procures electricity and natural gas for its manufacturing and air emissions control processes. In 2017, Norbord consumed 4 million MMBTU of non-renewable fossil fuels, the majority of which was used to operate air emissions control equipment, power mobile equipment and provide residual process heat. Approximately 38% of natural gas consumption was used to generate 484 GW of electricity and provide process heat at Norbord’s Cowie, Scotland operations. Another 21% of natural gas consumption was used to operate regulatory required air emissions control equipment. An additional 849 GW of electricity is procured directly from local grids. Energy prices have experienced significant volatility in recent years, particularly in deregulated markets.
Seasonality and Cyclicality of Business
Quarterly financial results are impacted by seasonal factors such as weather and building activity. Market demand varies seasonally, as homebuilding activity and repair and renovation work – the principal end uses of Norbord’s products – are generally stronger in the spring and summer months. Adverse weather can also limit access to logging areas, which can affect the supply

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of fibre to Norbord’s operations. Shipment volumes and commodity prices are affected by these factors as well as by global supply and demand conditions.
Operating working capital is typically built up in the first quarter of the year due primarily to winter log inventory purchases in the Northern regions of North America and Europe. This inventory is generally consumed in the spring and summer months.
Competitive Conditions
The wood-based panels industry is a highly competitive business environment in which companies compete, to a large degree, on the basis of price. Factors including production costs, freight charges and market dynamics between producing and consuming regions have an impact on the competitive position of all potential structural panel suppliers in a given market. OSB’s significant cost advantage over plywood continues to support long-term OSB market growth. Norbord’s principal market destination is the United States where it competes with North American and, in some instances, foreign producers. Most of Norbord’s European products are sold in the United Kingdom, Germany and the BeNeLux region where it competes primarily with other European producers.
Research and Development
Norbord carries out research and applied technology programs, identifying new techniques to improve production and product quality, develop new products and minimize the environmental impact of its operations. The Company operates a central laboratory facility in St. Laurent, Quebec. In addition, the Company performs contract work at a number of industry-wide organizations including FPInnovations and the Alberta Innovates Technology Futures aimed at reducing production costs and developing new products.
Environment, Health and Safety
Norbord’s Environment, Health and Safety Policies are available on Norbord’s website at www.norbord.com.
Norbord measures its performance against environment, health and safety targets in three areas: 1) injury frequency and severity; 2) environmental compliance; and 3) environment, health and safety management systems. Norbord conducts audits on its operations on a regular schedule to ensure continuing high standards of performance.
Norbord’s operations are subject to a range of general and industry-specific environmental laws and regulations relating to air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid and hazardous waste management, plant and wildlife protection and site remediation.
Approximately 80% of Norbord's manufacturing energy needs are met by renewable biomass fuel which makes Norbord's manufacturing processes a relatively small source of greenhouse gases (GHG). Norbord operations emit approximately 246 KT of Scope 1 GHG annually from energy consumption.
In the fall of 2016, the Paris Agreement (Agreement) resulting from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change entered into force. At present, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom have all ratified the agreement. The Canadian federal government and the four provinces in which Norbord operates have enacted regulations to meet GHG reduction obligations through carbon taxes or cap-and-trade initiatives. Currently, none of these programs have a significant direct financial impact on Norbord’s operations. The United States has withdrawn from the Agreement. There are currently no GHG regulatory initiatives that are expected to negatively impact Norbord’s US operations.
All of Norbord’s UK operations entered into the Kyoto climate change energy efficiency agreements in 2001, which has to-date resulted in more than £51 million in tax and energy efficiency cost savings. A cap-and-trade carbon trading program has been in place in Europe since 2005. Biomass heat energy generating units have enabled the European mills to comply with energy efficiency targets and have resulted in a surplus of carbon credits and renewable heat incentives (RHI) across Norbord’s European business. Since 2005 surplus credits traded on environmental exchanges and RHI payments have resulted in approximately £7 million in additional income. Norbord expects to have sufficient credits to meet 2017 compliance commitments.
Norbord holds third party verified sustainable forest management and fibre sourcing certification from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) program, and chain-of-custody certificates from the SFI® program and the Forest Stewardship Council® forest certification program and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

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Human Resources
Norbord’s corporate head office is in Toronto, Canada. Norbord employs approximately 2,750 people at its operations in the US, Canada and Europe. Approximately 35% of these employees are represented by labour unions. All of Norbord’s UK and Belgian union contracts are evergreen. Norbord’s North American union contracts expire as follows:
 
Union
 
Mill Covered
 
Contract Expiry Date
Pulp, Paper and Woodworkers of Canada (PPWC)
 
100 Mile House, BC
 
In negotiation(1)
Unifor
 
Barwick, ON
 
In negotiation(1)
Unifor
 
La Sarre, QC
 
June 30, 2021
Unifor
 
Chambord, QC(2)
 
June 1, 2026
(1)
expected to be concluded in Q1 2018
(2)
mill indefinitely curtailed
RISKS OF THE BUSINESS
Norbord is exposed to a number of risks and uncertainties in the normal course of its business which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, operating results and cash flows. A discussion of some of the major risks and uncertainties follows.
Product Concentration and Cyclicality
OSB accounts for approximately 90% of Norbord’s panel production capacity. The price of OSB is one of the most volatile in the wood products industry. Norbord’s concentration on OSB increases its sensitivity to product pricing and may result in a high degree of sales and earnings volatility.
Norbord’s financial performance is principally dependent on the selling price of its products. Most of Norbord’s products are traded commodities for which no liquid futures markets exist. The markets for most of Norbord’s products are highly cyclical and characterized by periods of supply and demand imbalance, during which its product prices have tended to fluctuate significantly. In addition, since many of Norbord’s products are used for new home construction, seasonal and annual weather changes can affect demand and sales volumes. These imbalances, which may affect different areas of Norbord’s business at different times, are influenced by numerous factors that are beyond Norbord’s control and include: changes in global and regional production capacity for a particular product or group of products; changes in the end use of those products, or the increased use of substitute products; a significant increase in longer-term interest rates; changes in the availability of mortgage financing; and the overall level of economic activity in the regions in which Norbord conducts business. In the past, Norbord has been negatively affected by declines in product pricing and has taken production downtime to manage working capital and minimize cash losses. Severe and prolonged weakness in the markets for Norbord’s products, particularly OSB, could seriously harm the Company’s financial position, operating results and cash flows, including the ability to satisfy interest and principal payments on outstanding debt.
Based on operations running at full capacity, the following table shows the approximate annualized impact of changes in realized product prices on Adjusted EBITDA:
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
Sensitivity Factor
    
Impact on   
Adjusted EBITDA(1)   
(US $ millions)   

OSB – North America
  
$10 per Msf–7/16”
    
$59(2)
OSB – Europe
  
€10 per m3
    
12

(1) 
Norbord defines Adjusted EBITDA as earnings (loss) determined in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) before finance costs, income taxes, depreciation and amortization and other unusual or non-recurring items. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure that does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. See the Non-IFRS Financial Measures section in Norbord’s 2017 Management’s Discussion and Analysis dated February 1, 2018 for a quantitative reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to earnings (the most directly comparable IFRS measure).
(2)    Impact on Adjusted EBITDA of a $10 per Msf-7/16” change is ± $[50] million based on the last twelve months of production.
Liquidity
Norbord relies on long-term borrowings, access to revolving bank lines and an accounts receivable securitization program to fund its ongoing operations. The Company’s ability to refinance or renew such facilities is dependent upon financial market

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conditions. Although Norbord has notes maturing in 2020 and 2023 and has bank lines that are committed to May 2019, financing may not be available when required or may not be available on commercially favourable or otherwise satisfactory terms in the future.
Competition
The wood-based panels industry is a highly competitive business environment in which companies compete, to a large degree, on the basis of price. Norbord’s principal market is the US, where it competes with North American and, in some instances, foreign producers. Norbord’s European operations compete primarily with other European producers. Certain competitors may have lower-cost facilities than Norbord. Norbord’s ability to compete in these and other markets is dependent on a variety of factors, such as manufacturing costs, availability of key production inputs, continued free access to markets, customer service, product quality, financial resources and currency exchange rates. In addition, competitors could develop new cost-effective substitutes for Norbord’s wood-based panels, or building codes could be changed making the use of Norbord’s products less attractive for certain applications.
 
Customer Dependence
Norbord sells its products primarily to major retail chains, contractor supply yards and industrial manufacturers, and faces strong competition for the business of significant customers. In 2017, Norbord had one customer whose purchases represented greater than 10% of total sales. Norbord generally does not have contractual assurances of future sales. As a result, the loss of a significant customer or any significant customer order cancellations could negatively affect the Company’s sales and earnings. Continued consolidation in the retail industry could expose Norbord to increased concentration of customer dependence and increase customers’ ability to exert pricing pressure on Norbord.
Cross Border Trade
Norbord’s future performance is dependent upon international trade and, in particular, cross border trade between Canada and the United States and between the United Kingdom and European Union. Access to markets in the United States and other countries may be affected from time to time by various trade-related events. The Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected by trade rulings, the failure to reach or adopt trade agreements, the imposition of customs duties or other tariffs, or an increase in trade restrictions in the future.
Manufacturing Inputs
Norbord is exposed to commodity price risk on most of its manufacturing inputs, which principally comprise wood fibre, resin, wax and energy. These manufacturing inputs are purchased primarily on the open market in competition with other users of such resources, and prices are influenced by factors beyond the Company’s control. Norbord may not be able to hedge the purchase price of manufacturing inputs or pass increased costs on to its customers.
Fibre Resource
Fibre for Norbord’s OSB mills comes from roundwood logs while the MDF and particleboard mills source fibre in the form of roundwood logs, wood chips, sawdust and recycled wood. Norbord’s wood fibre supply comes from several different sources. In the US, roundwood logs are primarily sourced from private and industry-owned woodlands. In Canada, Norbord holds forest licences and agreements to source roundwood logs from Crown timberlands, which are supplemented by open market and private purchases. In Europe, wood fibre is purchased from government and private landowners.
When Norbord purchases timber, wood chips, fibre and other wood recycled materials on the open market, it is in competition with other uses of such resources, where prices are influenced by factors beyond Norbord’s control. Fibre supply could also be influenced by natural events, such as forest fires, severe weather conditions, insect epidemics and other natural disasters, which may increase wood fibre costs, restrict access to wood fibre or force production curtailments. In addition, Norbord’s supply and cost of fibre may be negatively impacted by increased demand resulting from market-based or legislative initiatives to use wood-based biomass materials in the production of heat, electricity or other bio-based products.
In Canada, the Crown licences and agreements require the payment of stumpage fees for the timber harvested and compliance with specified operating, rehabilitation and silviculture management practices. They can be revoked or cancelled for non-performance and contain terms and conditions that could, under certain circumstances, result in a reduction of annual allowable timber that may be harvested by Norbord without any compensation. The Company may not be able to renew or replace the

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Crown licences when they come due. Any changes to government regulations and policies governing forest management practices could adversely affect the Company’s access to, or increase the cost of, wood fibre.
Aboriginal groups have claimed substantial portions of land in various Canadian provinces over which they claim aboriginal title, or in which they have a traditional interest, and for which they are seeking compensation from various levels of government. The results of these claims and related forest policy mechanisms may adversely affect the supply of wood fibre and the commercial terms of supply agreements with provincial governments.
Currency Exposures
Norbord reports its financial results in US dollars. A portion of Norbord’s product prices and costs are influenced by relative currency values (particularly the Canadian dollar, Pound Sterling and Euro). Significant fluctuations in relative currency values could negatively affect the cost competitiveness of the Company’s facilities, the value of its foreign investments, the results of its operations and its financial position.
Norbord’s foreign exchange exposure arises from the following sources:
net investments in foreign operations, limited to Norbord’s investment in its European operations which transact in both Pounds Sterling and Euros;
net Canadian dollar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities; and
committed or anticipated foreign currency-denominated transactions, primarily Canadian dollar costs in Norbord’s Canadian operations and Euro revenues in Norbord’s UK operations.
Third-Party Transportation Services
Norbord relies on third-party transportation services for delivery of products to customers as well as for delivery of raw materials from suppliers. The majority of products manufactured and raw materials used are transported by rail or truck, which are highly regulated. Transportation rates and fuel surcharges are influenced by factors beyond Norbord’s control. Any failure of third-party transportation providers to deliver finished goods or raw materials in a timely manner, including failure caused by adverse weather conditions could harm the Company’s reputation, negatively affect customer relationships or disrupt production at the Company’s mills.
Employee Retention and Labour Relations
Norbord’s success depends in part on its ability to attract and retain senior management and other key employees. Competition for qualified personnel depends on economic and industry conditions, competitors’ hiring practices and the effectiveness of Norbord’s compensation programs. The loss of, or inability to recruit and retain, any such personnel could impact the Company’s ability to execute on its strategy.
Norbord’s US employees are non-unionized while its UK, Belgian and most of its Canadian mill employees are unionized – representing approximately 35% of the workforce. All of Norbord’s UK and Belgian union contracts are evergreen. Canadian union contracts typically cover a three- to five-year term, and the current contracts with Unifor representing members at the OSB mills in La Sarre, Quebec and Chambord, Quebec expire June 30, 2021 and June 1, 2026, respectively. The contract with Unifor representing members at the Barwick, Ontario mill expired on July 31, 2017 and is currently being renegotiated. The contract with the Pulp, Paper and Woodworkers of Canada (PPWC) representing members at the OSB mill in 100 Mile House, British Columbia expired on June 30, 2017 and is currently being renegotiated. Strikes or work stoppages could result in lost production and sales, higher costs or supply constraints if Norbord is unable to negotiate acceptable contracts with its various trade unions upon expiry.
Environmental and Other Regulations
Norbord’s operations are subject to a range of general and industry-specific laws and regulations that apply to most of the Company's business activities. This includes environmental laws and regulations relating to air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid and hazardous waste management, plant and wildlife protection and site remediation. Further, the Company is required to obtain approvals, permits and licences for the operation of its manufacturing facilities which impose conditions that must be complied with. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could result in fines, penalties or other enforcement actions that could impact Norbord’s production capacity or increase its production costs. The Company has incurred, and expects to continue to incur, capital expenditures and operating costs to comply with applicable laws and regulations. In addition, laws and regulations could become more stringent or subject to different interpretation in the future.

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International Sales
A portion of the Company’s sales are exported to customers in developing markets. International sales present a number of risks and challenges, including but not limited to the effective marketing of the Company’s products in foreign countries, collectability of accounts receivable, tariffs and other barriers to trade and recessionary environments in foreign economies. Although the Company purchases credit insurance on all export sales, revenues could be negatively impacted by any customer losses.
Product Liability and Legal Proceedings
Norbord produces a variety of wood-based panels that are used in new home construction, repair-and-remodelling of existing homes, furniture and fixtures, and industrial applications. In the normal course of business, the end users of Norbord’s products have in the past made, and could in the future make, claims with respect to the fitness for use of its products or claims related to product quality or performance issues. In addition, Norbord has been in the past and may in the future be involved in legal proceedings related to antitrust, negligence, personal injury, property damage and other claims against the Company or its predecessors. Norbord could face increased costs if any future claims exceed purchased insurance coverage.
Capital Intensity
The production of wood-based panels is capital intensive. There can be no assurance that key pieces of equipment will not need to be repaired or replaced, or that operation of the Company's manufacturing facilities could not otherwise be disrupted unexpectedly, for example by adverse weather, power outages, fire, explosion or other hazards. In certain circumstances, the costs of repairing or replacing equipment, and the associated downtime of the affected production line, may not be insurable.
Tax Exposures
In the normal course of business, Norbord takes various positions in the filing of its tax returns, and there can be no assurance that tax authorities will not challenge such filing positions. In addition, Norbord is subject to further uncertainties concerning the interpretation and application of tax laws in various operating jurisdictions. Norbord provides for known estimated tax exposures in all jurisdictions. These exposures are settled primarily through the closure of audits with the jurisdictional taxing authorities. However, future settlements could differ materially from the Company’s estimated liabilities.
Potential Future Changes in Tax Laws
The Company’s structure is based on prevailing taxation law and practice in the local jurisdictions in which it operates. The Company is aware that new taxation rules could be enacted or that existing rules could be applied in a manner that subjects its profits to additional taxation or otherwise has a material adverse effect on its profitability, results of operations, financial condition or the trading price of its securities. Management is continually monitoring changes in tax policy, tax legislation (including in relation to taxation rates), and the interpretation of tax policy or legislation or practice that could have such an effect.
US Tax Reform Legislation

On December 22, 2017, the US government enacted H.R. 1, An Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018 (informally titled the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act). Among a number of significant changes to the US federal income tax laws, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduces the marginal US corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, limits the deduction for net interest expense, shifts the US toward a modified territorial tax system, and imposes new taxes to combat erosion of the US federal income tax base. Although the Company has recognized a net income tax recovery due to the reduction of the income tax rate, the long-term tax effect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on Norbord, whether adverse or favourable, is uncertain, and may not become evident for some period of time.

Norbord Inc.
2018 Annual Information Form
Page 14



Defined Benefit Pension Plan Funding
Although Norbord’s defined benefit pension plans are largely closed to new entrants, the Company continues to be subject to market risk on the plan assets and obligations related to existing members. Defined benefit pension plan funding requirements are based on actuarial valuations that make assumptions about the long-term expected rate of return on assets, salary escalation, life expectancy and discount rates. The Company’s latest funding valuations indicate the plans are in a solvency deficit position and therefore Norbord is required to make cash funding contributions. If actual experience differs from these assumptions or any of these assumptions change such that the solvency deficit increases, the Company would be required to increase cash funding contributions, reducing the availability of such funds for other corporate purposes.
Information Technology Infrastructure
In order to optimize performance, the Company regularly implements business process improvement initiatives and invests capital to upgrade its information technology infrastructure. These initiatives may involve risks to the operations and the Company may experience difficulties during the transition to these new or upgraded systems and processes. Difficulties in implementing new or upgraded information systems or significant system failures could disrupt operations and have a material adverse effect on the business.
Cyber Security
Norbord relies on information technology to support the Company’s operations and to maintain business records. Some systems are internally managed and some are maintained by third-party service providers. Norbord and its service providers employ what the Company believes are adequate security measures. A security failure of that technology, security breaches of company, customer, employee and vendor information as well as a disruption of business resulting from a natural disaster, hardware or software corruption, failure or error, telecommunications system failure, service provider error, intentional or unintentional personnel actions or other disruptions could disrupt operations and have a material adverse effect on the business. Further, such disruptions could expose the Company to potential liability or other proceedings by affected individuals, business partners and/or regulators. As a result, Norbord could face increased costs if any future claims exceed purchased insurance coverage.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE
Description of Share Capital
The authorized share capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of Class A Preferred Shares, an unlimited number of Class B Preferred Shares, an unlimited number of Non-Voting Participating Shares and an unlimited number of Common Shares. As at February 1, 2018 there were 86.4 million Common Shares outstanding. No other shares are outstanding. For information on Common Shares issued to Ainsworth shareholders pursuant to the Merger, see “General Development of the Business – Changes in the Business 2015-2018 – Merger with Ainsworth.”
The following is a summary of the principal attributes of the Common Shares, the Class A Preferred Shares, the Class B Preferred Shares and the Non-Voting Participating Shares of Norbord. For a complete description of the terms of Norbord’s share capital, refer to Norbord’s Restated Articles of Incorporation filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (EDGAR) at www.sec.gov.
Common Shares
The holders of Common Shares are entitled to one vote per share at all meetings of shareholders. They are entitled to receive dividends if, as and when declared by the Directors ratably with any holders of the Non-Voting Participating Shares, subject to the attributes of each series of Non-Voting Participating Shares. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up, subject to the rights of holders of any Class A Preferred Shares and Class B Preferred Shares, the holders of Common Shares are entitled to participate ratably with any holders of Non-Voting Participating Shares in any distribution of the assets of the Company, subject to the attributes of each series of Non-Voting Participating Shares.
Class A Preferred Shares
The Class A Preferred Shares are issuable in series. The Directors of the Company are empowered to fix the number of shares in and the designation and attributes of each series, which may include voting rights. The Class A Preferred Shares are entitled to priority over the Class B Preferred Shares, the Non-Voting Participating Shares and the Common Shares with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets of the Company in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Norbord. 

Class B Preferred Shares
The Class B Preferred Shares are issuable in series. The Directors of the Company are empowered to fix the number of shares in and the designation and attributes of each series, which may include voting rights. The Class B Preferred Shares are entitled to priority over the Non-Voting Participating Shares and the Common Shares with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets of the Company in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.

Norbord Inc.
2018 Annual Information Form
Page 15



Non-Voting Participating Shares
The Non-Voting Participating Shares are issuable in series. The Directors of the Company are empowered to fix the number of shares in and the designation and attributes of each series, which may include a preferential dividend or a priority in any distribution of assets of the Company. Subject thereto, the holders of Non-Voting Participating Shares are entitled to receive dividends if, as and when declared by the Directors ratably with the holders of Common Shares and, in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up, subject to the rights of the holders of any Class A Preferred Shares and Class B Preferred Shares, to participate ratably with the holders of Common Shares in any distribution of the assets of the Company.
Description of Debt Securities
In February 2017, the Company permanently repaid its $200 million senior secured notes upon maturity using cash on hand and temporary drawings on its accounts receivable securitization program which were repaid in the second quarter of 2017.
At February 1, 2018, Norbord had issued and outstanding senior debt securities as follows:

$240 million of 5.375% senior secured notes due December 1, 2020; and
$315 million of 6.25% senior secured notes due April 1, 2023.
Credit Ratings
Maintaining a stable balance sheet is an important element of Norbord’s financing strategy. Norbord believes that its record of superior operational performance and prudent balance sheet management will enable it to access public and private capital markets (subject to financial market conditions).
As at February 1, 2018, the Company’s long-term debt and issuer ratings were:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
DBRS
 
  
Standard &
    Poor’s Ratings
Services
 
  
Moody’s
    Investors Service
 
Secured Notes
  
 
BB
  
  
 
BB+
  
  
 
Ba1
  
Issuer
  
 
BB
  
  
 
BB
  
  
 
Ba1
  
Outlook
  
 
Stable
  
  
 
Stable
  
  
 
Stable
  
Credit ratings are intended to provide investors with an independent measure of the credit quality of any securities issue. The credit ratings accorded to debt securities by the rating agencies are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell the debt securities, as such ratings do not comment on market price or suitability for a particular investor. There is no assurance that any rating will remain in effect for any given period of time or that any rating will not be revised or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency in the future if, in its judgement, circumstances warrant.
DBRS credit ratings are on a long-term debt rating scale that ranges from AAA to D, which represents the range from highest to lowest quality of such securities rated. According to DBRS, a rating of BB is the fifth highest of ten major categories, and debt securities rated BB are defined to be speculative and non-investment grade. Rating categories AA through C are denoted by the subcategories “high” and “low”. The absence of either a “high” or “low” designation indicates the rating is in the “middle” of the category.
S&P credit ratings are on a long-term debt rating scale that ranges from AAA to D, which represents the range from highest to lowest quality of such securities rated. According to S&P, the BB rating is the fifth highest of ten major categories, and debt securities rated BB or lower are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. Debt securities rated BB are less vulnerable to non-payment than other speculative issues; however, they face major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial or economic conditions. The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (–) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
Moody’s credit ratings are on a long-term debt rating scale that ranges from Aaa to C, which represents the range from highest to lowest quality of such securities rated. According to Moody’s, a rating of Ba is the fifth highest of nine major categories, and debt securities rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk. Moody’s applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the

Norbord Inc.
2018 Annual Information Form
Page 16



security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category, the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

DIVIDENDS
Norbord’s variable dividend policy targets the payment to shareholders of a portion of free cash flow based upon the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flow, capital requirements and restrictions under the Company’s revolving bank lines, as well as the market outlook for the Company’s principal products and broader market and economic conditions, among other factors. Under this policy, the Board of Directors has declared the following dividends:
(in C $)
Quarterly Dividend Declared per Common Share

Q2 2013 to Q4 2014
$
0.60

Q1 2015 & Q2 2015
0.25

Q3 2015 to Q1 2017
0.10

Q2 2017
0.30

Q3 2017
0.50

Q4 2017
0.60

The dividend level was decreased twice during 2015 to maintain flexibility in the Company’s capital structure as well as to fund growth and other attractive capital investment opportunities.  The dividend level was increased three times during 2017, reflecting the strength in North American benchmark OSB prices last year and resulting robust operating cash flow for the Company, the positive market outlook for the Company’s products and the continuing expectation that free cash flow will be sufficient to fund current growth and other capital investment commitments for the foreseeable future.
The Board retains the discretion to amend the Company’s dividend policy in any manner and at any time as it may deem necessary or appropriate in the future. For these reasons, as well as others, the Board in its sole discretion can decide to increase, maintain, decrease, suspend or discontinue the payment of cash dividends in the future.
The Company has a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) whereby shareholders resident in Canada or the United States can elect to receive their dividends in Common Shares.
The table below summarizes the total dividends on Common Shares declared by the Board, the amounts paid out in cash and the amounts distributed as shares under the DRIP for the preceding three financial years.
($ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

 
2015

Cash distribution
 
$
101

 
$
26

 
$
40

Share distribution(1)
 

 

 

Total dividends on Common Shares
 
$
101

 
$
26

 
$
40

(1)
Common Shares distributed in the DRIP represented less than $1 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015. All Common Shares were issued from treasury.

 

Norbord Inc.
2018 Annual Information Form
Page 17




MARKET FOR SECURITIES
Common Shares
The Company’s Common Shares trade on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol OSB.
TSX Trading Data
In 2017, the Company’s Common Shares traded on the TSX in a range between C $31.38 and C $51.75 per share, ending the year at C $42.55 per share.
 
C $
 
Common Shares          
Month
 
High

 
Low

 
Close

 
Volume

January
 
$
34.71

 
$
31.38

 
$
32.30

 
2,006,663

  February
 
40.06

 
32.08

 
38.66

 
3,120,287

March
 
39.43

 
36.10

 
37.85

 
3,422,587

April
 
42.49

 
37.86

 
42.26

 
3,600,903

May
 
42.42

 
38.15

 
38.49

 
3,190,948

June
 
41.08

 
38.00

 
40.37

 
2,282,412

July
 
44.45

 
39.28

 
44.25

 
2,041,202

August
 
44.65

 
40.51

 
43.00

 
5,893,309

September
 
51.75

 
42.51

 
47.51

 
8,220,051

October
 
51.40

 
43.75

 
46.50

 
11,561,812

November
 
47.50

 
43.36

 
44.66

 
7,885,939

December
 
44.80

 
41.30

 
42.55

 
5,172,451

NYSE Trading Data
In 2017, the Company’s Common Shares traded on the NYSE in a range between US $23.68 and US $41.88 per share, ending the year at US $33.81 per share.
 
US $
 
Common Shares            
Month
 
High

 
Low

 
Close

 
Volume

January
 
$
26.46

 
$
23.68

 
$
24.82

 
176,220

February
 
30.49

 
24.55

 
29.00

 
361,119

March
 
29.42

 
27.00

 
28.51

 
210,742

April
 
31.29

 
28.38

 
31.07

 
364,416

May
 
31.10

 
27.83

 
28.46

 
342,013

June
 
31.93

 
28.16

 
31.14

 
251,077

July
 
35.60

 
30.49

 
35.46

 
155,804

August
 
35.65

 
32.23

 
34.43

 
503,893

September
 
41.88

 
34.38

 
38.12

 
1,340,000

October
 
41.14

 
33.97

 
36.05

 
2,600,000

November
 
37.27

 
33.77

 
34.67

 
3,210,000

December
 
35.15

 
32.22

 
33.81

 
2,050,000



Norbord Inc.
2018 Annual Information Form
Page 18



DIRECTORS AND SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Directors
The Directors of the Company are set out below. They hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are elected or appointed.
Name and Location of Residence
  
Position
and Office Held
  
Principal Occupation
  
Director  
Since  
  JACK L. COCKWELL (1)(2)
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  
Director
  
Director, Brookfield Asset Management Inc.
  
1987
  PIERRE DUPUIS (1)(2)(3)(4)
  St. Lambert, Quebec, Canada
  
Director
  
Corporate Director
  
1995
  PAUL E. GAGNÉ(1)(2)(4)
  Senneville, Quebec, Canada
  
Director
  
Corporate Director
  
2015
  J. PETER GORDON(1)(2)(3)
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  
Director and Chair
  
Managing Partner, Brookfield Asset Management Inc.
  
2015
  PAUL A. HOUSTON(1)(2)(3)(4)
  Ashburn, Ontario, Canada
  
Director
  
Corporate Director
  
2015
  J. BARRIE SHINETON
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  
Director 
  
Corporate Director
  
2004
  DENIS A. TURCOTTE (1)(2)
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  
Director
  
Managing Partner, Brookfield Capital Partners
  
2012
  PETER C. WIJNBERGEN
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  
Director and President & CEO
  
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Norbord Inc.
  
2014
(1)
Member of the Environmental, Health & Safety Committee. Mr. Turcotte is Chair of the Committee.
(2)
Member of the Human Resources Committee. Mr. Cockwell is Chair of the Committee.
(3)
Member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Mr. Houston is Chair of the Committee.
(4)
Member of the Audit Committee. Mr. Dupuis is Chair of the Committee.
All of the Directors have held their principal occupations shown in the above table for the past five years, except for Messrs. Cockwell, Shineton and Wijnbergen.
Mr. Cockwell was Group Chair of Brookfield from June 2002 to June 2016.
Mr. Shineton served as Vice Chair of the Board from January 29, 2014 to May 1, 2017, after retiring as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company where he held such position from 2004 through 2013.
Mr. Turcotte was President and Chief Executive Officer, North Channel Management and North Channel Capital Partners from April 2008 to September 2017.
Mr. Wijnbergen was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2014 after serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from September 2010 through December 2013.
Cease Trade Orders, Bankruptcies, Penalties and Sanctions
The following Directors served as directors of Fraser Papers Inc. (Fraser).
Name
  
Period Served
  
  
JACK L. COCKWELL
  
2004 to April 2009
  
 
PAUL E. GAGNÉ
  
2004 to February 2011
  
 
J. PETER GORDON
  
2007 to February 2011
  
 
In June 2009, Fraser initiated a court-supervised restructuring under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act and also filed for protection pursuant to Chapter 15 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. As part of its restructuring, Fraser sold all of its operating assets and distributed the proceeds from the sale. Fraser’s common shares were suspended from trading on the TSX on June 23,

Norbord Inc.
2018 Annual Information Form
Page 19



2009 and delisted on July 22, 2009. On March 10, 2011, the Ontario Securities commission issued a cease trade order against Fraser, and on June 23, 2011, Fraser was dissolved.
 
Code of Business Conduct
Norbord has a Code of Business Conduct (Code) that sets out the expected conduct of the Company’s Directors, officers and employees, and those of its subsidiaries, in relation to honesty, integrity and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, including conflicts of interest. The Board reviews the Code every year, most recently on October 26, 2017. The Code is available on the Company’s website at www.norbord.com as well as on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
Senior Executive Officers
The senior executive officers of the Company are shown in the following table:
Name and Location of Residence
  
Current Office and Principal Occupation
  
Year   
Appointed  
  J. PETER GORDON
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  
Director and Chair
Managing Partner, Brookfield Asset Management Inc.
  
2015
  PETER C. WIJNBERGEN
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  
President and Chief Executive Officer
  
2014
  ROBIN E. LAMPARD
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  
2008
  NIGEL A. BANKS
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  
Senior Vice President, Corporate Services
  
2010
  KARL R. MORRIS
  Glasgow, Scotland, UK
  
Senior Vice President, European Operations
  
2005
  BRUCE L. ALEXANDER
North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
  
Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Logistics
  
2018
For those senior executive officers of the Company appointed to their principal occupations within the past five years, their prior occupations during this period were as follows:
Mr. Alexander joined the Company on May 1, 2017 as Senior Vice President, Business Development. In October 2017, Mr. Alexander became Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Logistics.
Mr. Wijnbergen was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2014 after serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from September 2010 through December 2013.
As at February 1, 2018, the Directors and senior executive officers of the Company as a group directly own or exercise control or direction over 0.2 million Common Shares of the Company (representing less than 1%), and none of the voting securities of any of the Company’s subsidiaries.

INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
Except as set out below or as otherwise set out in this AIF, no Director or officer of the Company, no person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the Norbord Common Shares and no associate or affiliate of the foregoing persons has any material interest in any transaction within the past three years or during the current financial year that has materially affected or will materially affect Norbord. The following transactions have occurred between the Company and Brookfield during the normal course of business:
 

Norbord Inc.
2018 Annual Information Form
Page 20



Ownership of Ainsworth Shares
Prior to the Merger, Brookfield owned 77,673,443 common shares of Ainsworth. Under the terms of the Merger, Ainsworth shareholders, including Brookfield, received 0.1321 of a Common Share of Norbord for each Ainsworth common share held. Following completion of the Merger on March 31, 2015, Brookfield owned, directly and indirectly, 45,407,241 Common Shares of Norbord representing approximately 53% of the issued and outstanding Norbord Common Shares.

Secondary Offering
On August 2, 2017, Brookfield and the Company entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters to complete a bought deal secondary offering of Norbord’s Common Shares (the Offering). Under the Offering, the syndicate agreed to purchase 3.6 million Common Shares from Brookfield at a purchase price of C $42.35 per Common Share. On August 9, 2017, upon the completion of the Offering, Brookfield owned, directly and indirectly, approximately 49% of Norbord's Common Shares (subsequently reduced to 40% following the Distribution described below). Norbord did not receive any proceeds from the Offering.

In-kind Distribution
On October 13, 2017, Brookfield completed an in-kind distribution (the Distribution) of an aggregate of 7.1 million Common Shares of Norbord to investors in certain of its funds. Upon completion of the Distribution, Brookfield owned and controlled approximately 40% of Norbord's Common Shares.


MATERIAL CONTRACTS
Norbord has entered into the following material contracts, other than in the ordinary course of business:
1.
Trust Indenture dated April 16, 2015 between Norbord Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. relating to the issuance of 6.25% Senior Secured Notes due April 16, 2023.
2.
Trust Indenture dated November 26, 2013 between Norbord Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. relating to the issuance of 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due December 1, 2020.

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The principal transfer agent and registrar for the Common Shares is AST Trust Company (Canada), P.O. Box 4202, Station A, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2V6, Telephone: 1-800-387-0825, e-mail: inquiries@astfinancial.com. The co-transfer agent and registrar is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, 6201, 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219, Telephone: 1-800-937-5449, e-mail: info@amstock.com.

Norbord Inc.
2018 Annual Information Form
Page 21



AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board and, among other things: assists the Board in its oversight of the integrity of the financial and related information of the Company through the review of the consolidated financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis; considers the report of the external auditors; assesses the adequacy of the internal controls of the Company; examines the fees and expenses for audit services; and recommends to the Board the independent auditors for appointment by the shareholders. The Committee reports its findings to the Board of Directors for consideration when approving the consolidated financial statements for issuance to the shareholders. The full terms of reference of the Audit Committee are included in this AIF as Appendix A.
The Audit Committee includes the following Directors, each of whom has been determined by the Board of Directors to be “independent” and “financially literate”, as such terms have been defined in National Instrument 52-110. The Board has selected each of the following individuals based upon their education and experience, as same is relevant to his or her responsibilities as a member of the audit committee:
Pierre Dupuis (Chair)
Paul E. Gagné
Paul A. Houston
Mr. Dupuis is a Corporate Director. From 1999 to 2005, Mr. Dupuis was Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Dorel Industries Inc., a global consumer products company. Prior to his appointment at Dorel, Mr. Dupuis was President and Chief Operating Officer of Transcontinental Inc., a Canadian printing and publishing company.
Mr. Gagné, a retired executive, has extensive experience in the natural resource sector and is a CPA, CA.
Mr. Houston is a retired executive who has served on a number of boards in Canada and the US, most recently with Ainsworth as Lead Director from 2009 to March 2015. Mr. Houston has been Lead Director of the Company since May 2015. He has over 12 years of CEO experience in a variety of industries, most recently serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alderwoods group, a $1.2 billion US company. He has also operated businesses in Canada, US and Europe.
As part of its mandate, the Audit Committee assesses the independence of the Company’s auditors. From time to time the Company’s auditors also provide non-audit services to Norbord. It is the Company’s policy not to engage its auditors to provide services that may impair their objectivity or that are specifically forbidden by law or regulation. The Company has implemented procedures to ensure that any engagement of the auditors for non-audit services receives prior clearance by the Audit Committee. In approving any such engagement, the Audit Committee will consider whether the provision of such non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the auditors’ independence.
 
Audit Fees
For the year 2017, Norbord paid a total of $1.5 million (2016 – $1.0 million) to the Company’s auditors for all services. The following provides details on these billings:
 
Service (US $ millions)
2017

2016

Audit
$
1.2

$
0.8

Audit-related Fees
0.1

0.1

Tax
0.2

0.1

Other


Total
$
1.5

$
1.0

Audit services include the annual financial statement audit of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. They also include the review of the Company’s unaudited interim financial statements and services associated with securities regulatory filings.
Audit-related services include audits of the Company’s pension plans and special-purpose non-statutory audits of divisions of the Company.
Tax services include tax advisory and compliance services.

Norbord Inc.
2018 Annual Information Form
Page 22



Norbord did not engage the Company’s auditors to perform other non-audit services.
Norbord did not rely on the deminimus exemption provided by paragraph (c)(y)(i) of Rule 2-01 of the US Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X in 2017 or 2016.
INTERESTS OF EXPERTS
The Company’s auditors are KPMG LLP, an independent public accounting firm of Toronto, Canada. KPMG LLP is independent within the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (registered name of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario) and the rules and standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and the securities laws and regulations administered by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Management Proxy Circular dated March 5, 2018 will contain additional information concerning the Company including Directors’ and officers’ remuneration and indebtedness, principal holders of Common Shares and its stock option and share purchase plans. Additional financial information about the Company is included in Norbord’s audited consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2017.
These documents and additional information about the Company and its operations can be found on Norbord’s website at www.norbord.com, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
 


Norbord Inc.
2018 Annual Information Form
Page 23




GLOSSARY
m3: Cubic metre. A measure of volume equal to approximately 1,130 square feet (3/8-inch basis).
MDF: Medium density fibreboard. A panelboard produced by chemically bonding highly refined wood fibres of uniform size under heat and pressure.
Msf (MMsf): Measurement for panel products equal to a thousand (million) square feet. This measurement is calculated on either a 3/8-inch or 7/16-inch thick basis.
OSB: Oriented strand board. An engineered structural wood panel produced by chemically bonding wood strands in a uniform direction under heat and pressure.
Panelboard: Oriented strand board, particleboard, medium density fibreboard and plywood.
Particleboard: A panelboard produced by chemically bonding clean sawdust, small wood particles and recycled wood fibre under heat and pressure.
Plywood: A panelboard produced by chemically bonding thin layers of solid wood veneers.
 


Norbord Inc.
2018 Annual Information Form
Page 24




APPENDIX A – AUDIT COMMITTEE – TERMS OF REFERENCE
Role of Audit Committee
The role of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board in its oversight of the integrity of the financial and related information of the Company including its financial statements, the internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and the processes for monitoring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and to review the independence, qualifications and performance of the external auditor of the Company. Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the financial statements and for establishing and maintaining the above noted controls, procedures and processes and the Audit Committee is appointed by the Board to review and monitor them.
Authority and Responsibilities
In carrying out its role, the Audit Committee has the following authority and responsibilities:
1.
Financial information and reporting -
(a)
to review and discuss with management and the external auditor, as appropriate:
(i)
the annual audited financial statements and the interim financial statements including the accompanying Management’s Discussion and Analysis; and
(ii)
other releases containing information taken from the Company’s financial statements prior to their release; and
(b)
to recommend to the Board for approval the quarterly and annual financial filings;
(c)
to review the Company’s financial reporting and accounting policies and any proposed material changes to them or their application; and
(d)
to meet privately with the person responsible for the Company’s internal audit function as frequently as the Committee feels appropriate to fulfill its responsibilities, which will not be less frequently than annually, to discuss any items of concern.
2.
 Internal controls - to review, with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the external auditor and others, as appropriate, the Company's system of internal controls.
3.
External audit -
(a)
to recommend to the Board, for shareholder approval, the external auditor to examine the Company’s accounts, controls and financial statements on the basis that the external auditor is accountable to the Board and the Audit Committee as representatives of the shareholders of the Company;
(b)
to evaluate the audit services provided by the external auditor, pre-approve all audit fees and recommend to the Board, if necessary, the replacement of the external auditor;
(c)
to pre-approve any non-audit services to be provided to the Company or its subsidiaries by the external auditor and the fees for those services;
(d)
to obtain and review at least annually a written report by the external auditor setting out the auditor’s internal quality control procedures, any material issues raised by the auditor’s internal quality control reviews and the steps taken to resolve those issues;
(e)
to review at least annually the relationships between the Company and the external auditor in order to establish the independence of the external auditor;
(f)
to oversee the work of the external auditor, including the resolution of disagreements between management and the external auditors regarding financial reporting;
(g)
to communicate directly with the internal and external auditors;
(h)
to meet privately with the external auditors as frequently as the Committee feels appropriate to fulfill its responsibilities; and
(i)
to review and evaluate the lead partner of the auditor.
4.
Risk management - to review and monitor the Company\u2019s major financial risks and risk management policies and the steps taken by management to mitigate those risks.

Norbord Inc.
2018 Annual Information Form
Page 25



5.
Compliance -
(a)
to review the Company’s financial reporting procedures and policies relating to compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and to investigate any non-adherence to those procedures and policies; and
(b)
to establish procedures for the receipt and treatment of any complaint regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters including procedures for the confidential, anonymous submissions by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
Composition and Procedures
1.
Size - The Audit Committee will consist of a minimum of three Directors. The members of the Committee and the Chair are appointed by the Board upon the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and may be removed by the Board in its discretion.
2.
Qualifications - All members of the Committee must be independent within the meaning of sections 1.4 and 1.5 of National Instrument 52-110. All members of the Committee must be financially literate, i.e., have the ability to read and understand a set of financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of the issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the financial statements of the Company.
3.
Meetings - The Committee will meet as frequently as it determines is appropriate to fulfill its responsibilities, which will not be less than four times a year and a portion of each meeting will be held without the presence of management. Quorum for meetings will be a majority of the members of the Committee. Notice of meetings of the Committee shall be given not less than 48 hours before the time when the meeting is to be held. The Committee may invite any member of management, employee or other person to attend any of its meetings.
4.
Review of Financial Statements - The Committee will review the Company’s annual audited financial statements with the CEO and CFO and then the full Board. The Committee will review the interim financial statements with the CEO and CFO and will approve such documents prior to their filing. The external auditor will be present at these meetings.
5.
Review of CEO and CFO Certification Process - In connection with its review of the annual audited financial statements and interim financial statements, the Committee will also review the process for the CEO and CFO certifications with respect to the financial statements and the Company’s disclosure and internal controls, including any material deficiencies or changes in those controls.
6.
Review of Earnings and Other Releases - The Committee will review with the CFO any news release containing financial information taken from the Company’s financial statements prior to the release of the financial statements to the public. The Committee will satisfy itself that adequate procedures are in place for the review of the Company’s public disclosure of financial information extracted or derived from the Company’s financial statements and will periodically assess the adequacy of those procedures
7.
Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services - In addition to recommending to the Board the external auditor to examine the Company’s financial statements and the compensation of the external auditor for audit services, the Committee must approve any use of that external auditor to provide non-audit services prior to its engagement. It is the Committee’s practice to restrict the non-audit services that may be provided by the external auditor in order to minimize relationships that could appear to impair the objectivity and independence of the external auditor.
8.
Hiring Guidelines for Independent Auditor Employees - The Committee will adopt guidelines regarding the hiring of any partner, employee, reviewing tax professional or other person providing audit assurance to the external auditor of the Company on any aspect of its Audit Report of the Company’s financial statements in order to ensure the objectivity and independence of the external auditor.
9.
Audit Partner Rotation - The Committee will ensure that the lead audit partner assigned by the external auditor to the Company, as well as the independent review partner charged with reviewing the financial statements of the Company, are changed at least every five years.
10.
Process for Handling Complaints about Accounting Matters - The Committee has established the following procedure for the receipt and treatment of any complaint received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters:
(a)
The Company will make available and make known special mail and e-mail addresses and telephone numbers for receiving complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters;

Norbord Inc.
2018 Annual Information Form
Page 26



(b)
Copies of complaints received will be sent to the members of the Committee;
(c)
All complaints will be investigated by the Company’s finance staff, except as otherwise directed by the Committee. The Committee may request that outside advisors be retained to investigate any complaint; and
(d)
The status of each complaint will be reported on a quarterly basis to the Committee and, if the Committee so directs, to the full Board. The Company’s Code of Business Conduct prohibits any Director, officer or employee of the Company from retaliating or taking any adverse action against anyone for raising or helping to resolve a complaint.
11.
Evaluation - The Committee will conduct and present to the Board an annual evaluation of the performance of the Committee and the adequacy of these terms of reference and recommend any proposed change to the Board for approval.
12.
Management - The Committee shall meet privately with members of management as frequently as the Committee feels appropriate to fulfill its responsibilities.
13.
Access to Independent Advisors - The Committee may at any time retain outside advisors at the expense of the Company, subject to the approval of the Chair of the Board.
14.
Other Matters - The Committee will conduct reviews and, where appropriate, recommend action by the Board, on matters within its responsibilities and, on:
(a)
The Annual Information Form to be filed by the Company;
(b)
Regular reports on outstanding litigation that could have a material effect on the Company;
(c)
An annual certificate of the CEO attesting that senior management of the Company have received and agreed to be bound by the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and as to compliance with the Code;
(d)
An annual report on officers’ expenses;
(e)
An annual report on consulting and legal fees paid by the Company;
(f)
An annual report on the Company's insurance coverage and costs; and
(g)
Periodic review of significant taxation matters.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Norbord Inc.
2018 Annual Information Form
Page 27
EX-99.2 3 a2017q4osb-ex992.htm EXHIBIT 99.2 Exhibit
Exhibit 99.2



FEBRUARY 1, 2018
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
INTRODUCTION
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) provides a review of the significant developments that impacted Norbord’s performance during 2017 relative to 2016. The information in this section should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as at and for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
In this MD&A, “Norbord” or “the Company” means Norbord Inc. and all of its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates, unless the context implies otherwise. “Brookfield” means Brookfield Asset Management Inc. or any of its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates, a related party by virtue of holding a significant equity interest in the Company.
Additional information on Norbord, including the Company’s annual information form and other documents publicly filed by the Company, is available on the Company’s website at www.norbord.com, the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) administered by the Canadian Securities Administrators (the CSA) at www.sedar.com and on the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (EDGAR) section of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) website at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.
Some of the statements included or incorporated by reference in this MD&A constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions and are subject to various risks. See the cautionary statement contained in the Forward-Looking Statements section.
The Company has prepared this MD&A with reference to National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations of the CSA. The Company is an eligible issuer under the Multijurisdictional Disclosure System (MJDS) and complies with the US reporting requirements by filing its Canadian disclosure documents with the SEC. As an MJDS issuer, the Company is permitted to prepare this MD&A in accordance with the disclosure requirements of the CSA, whose requirements are different from those of the SEC.
To enhance shareholders’ understanding, certain three-year historical financial and statistical information is presented. Norbord’s significant accounting policies and other financial disclosures are contained in the audited financial statements and accompanying notes. All financial references in the MD&A are stated in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
In evaluating the Company’s business, management uses non-International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) financial measures which, in management’s view, are important supplemental measures of the Company’s performance and believes that they are frequently used by investors, securities analysts and other interested persons in the evaluation of Norbord and other similar companies. In this MD&A, the following non-IFRS financial measures have been used: Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted earnings (loss), Adjusted earnings (loss) per share, cash provided by operating activities per share, operating working capital, total working capital, capital employed, return on capital employed (ROCE), return on equity (ROE), net debt for financial covenant purposes, tangible net worth, net debt to capitalization, book basis, and net debt to capitalization, market basis. These non-IFRS financial measures are described in the Non-IFRS Financial Measures section. Non-IFRS financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies that may have different financing and capital structures and/or tax rates. Where appropriate, a quantitative reconciliation of the non-IFRS financial measure to the most directly comparable IFRS measure is also provided. Certain prior period figures for Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted earnings have been adjusted to conform to the revised definitions of these non-IFRS financial measures currently used by Norbord.


1

Exhibit 99.2


BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Norbord is a leading global manufacturer of wood-based panels with 17 mills in the United States (US), Canada and Europe. Norbord is the largest global producer of oriented strand board (OSB) with annual capacity of 8.4 billion square feet (Bsf) (3⁄8-inch basis). In North America, Norbord owns 13 OSB mills located in the Southern region of the US, Western Canada, Quebec, Ontario and Minnesota. In Europe, the Company operates an OSB mill, two particleboard production facilities and one medium density fibreboard (MDF) production facility in the United Kingdom (UK), and one OSB mill in Belgium and is the UK’s largest panel producer. The Company reports its operations in two geographic segments, North America and Europe, with 77% of its panel production capacity in North America and 23% in Europe. Norbord’s business strategy is focused entirely on the wood-based panels sector – in particular OSB – in North America, Europe and Asia. Norbord employed approximately 2,750 people at December 31, 2017.
The table below summarizes the estimated annual production capacity (installed capacity), in millions of square feet (MMsf) (3⁄8-inch basis), at year-end for each mill:
   (MMsf–3/8”)
Estimated
Annual Capacity
at Year-End
2017

OSB
 
100 Mile House, British Columbia
440

Barwick, Ontario
510

Bemidji, Minnesota
470

Chambord, Quebec(1)
470

Cordele, Georgia
990

Genk, Belgium
450

Grande Prairie, Alberta
730

Guntown, Mississippi
450

High Level, Alberta
860

Huguley, Alabama(2)
500

Inverness, Scotland(3)
720

Jefferson, Texas
415

Joanna, South Carolina
650

La Sarre, Quebec
375

Nacogdoches, Texas
380

 
8,410

  
Particleboard
 
Cowie, Scotland
405

South Molton, England
160

 
565


MDF
 
Cowie, Scotland
380

 
380

 
 
Total Panels
9,355

(1)
In November 2016, Norbord exchanged ownership of its Val-d’Or OSB mill for Louisiana-Pacific Corporation’s curtailed Chambord OSB mill (the Asset Exchange). Production at Chambord has been curtailed since the third quarter of 2008.
(2)
In January 2009, Norbord indefinitely curtailed production at its Huguley, Alabama OSB mill. The mill subsequently resumed operations in October 2017.
(3)
During the fourth quarter of 2017, the estimated annual capacity increased from 395 MMsf-3/8" based on the substantial completion of the Inverness expansion project.


2

Exhibit 99.2


MERGER WITH AINSWORTH
On March 31, 2015, Norbord completed its merger with Ainsworth Lumber Co Ltd. (Ainsworth) (the Merger). The Merger created the largest global OSB producer and brought together Norbord’s manufacturing cost leadership with Ainsworth’s track record of innovation in product development. It also allows Norbord to better serve the Company’s North American customers as well as gain access to growing Asian markets.
In 2015, the Company elected not to account for the Merger as a business combination under IFRS 3, Business Combinations, as the transaction represents a combination of entities under common control of Brookfield. Accordingly, the book values of the two entities were combined and no adjustments were made to reflect fair values or to recognize any new assets or liabilities of either entity.
Post-Merger, Norbord and Ainsworth operate as a single company; this MD&A reviews the combined company’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

STRATEGY
Norbord’s business strategy is focused entirely on the wood panels sector – in particular OSB – in North America and Europe. Norbord’s financial goal is to achieve top-quartile ROCE among North American forest products companies over the business cycle and the Company believes it has met this goal.
Protecting the balance sheet is an important element of Norbord’s financing strategy. Management believes that its record of superior operational performance, disciplined capital allocation and prudent balance sheet management will enable it to access public and private capital markets (subject to financial market conditions). In this regard, Norbord accomplished the following in 2017:
Financial Goal
 2017 Accomplishments
1.    Generate cash.
Achieved Adjusted EBITDA of $672 million and ROCE of 45%.
 
Increased North American Adjusted EBITDA to $638 million from $352 million in 2016, benefiting from 31% higher average North Central benchmark OSB prices during the year.
 
European Adjusted EBITDA was steady at $41 million despite significantly higher resin prices and start-up of the new Inverness, Scotland line.
 
Generated operating cash flow of $608 million, almost double from $313 million in 2016.
2.    Protect the balance sheet.
Moody’s Investors Service upgraded the Company's issuer credit rating from Ba2 to Ba1 and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services upgraded from BB- to BB. DBRS confirmed at BB and upgraded its outlook from Negative to Stable.
 
Ended the year with unutilized liquidity of $592 million (including $241 million in cash and cash equivalents), net debt to capitalization on a book basis of 21% and tangible net worth of $1,248 million.
 
 
 



3

Exhibit 99.2



The table below summarizes the six key components of Norbord’s business strategy and its performance in each area in 2017:

Strategic Priority
 2017 Performance
1.    Develop a world-class safety culture.
Completed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordable injury-free year at four mills (Genk, Belgium; Huguley, Alabama; Jefferson, Texas; and La Sarre, Quebec).
 
Recertified Bemidji, Minnesota; Nacogdoches, Texas and Cowie, Scotland mills under Norbord's Safety Star program.
 
Achieved an overall OSHA injury rate of 0.74 for 2017, matching best-ever performance.
2.    Pursue growth in OSB.
Increased production volume at North American OSB and European panel mills by 4% and 3%, respectively, over 2016.
 
Set annual production records at nine of 15 operating mills: Bemidji, Minnesota; Cordele, Georgia; Grande Prairie, Alberta; High Level, Alberta; Jefferson, Texas; La Sarre, Quebec; Nacogdoches, Texas; Genk, Belgium and Cowie, Scotland.
 
Substantially completed construction of European OSB capacity modernization and expansion in Inverness, Scotland in the fourth quarter of 2017. The new line started up in October 2017, with no disruption to existing production capacity.
 
Restarted previously curtailed Huguley, Alabama mill in October 2017 to meet customer demand.
 
Secured long-term wood supply and 8-year labour contract for curtailed Chambord, Quebec mill. Evaluating capital investment required to prepare mill for eventual restart when warranted by customer demand.
3.    Own high-quality assets with low-cost positions.
Completed fifth year of capital reinvestment strategy, focused on improving productivity and reducing manufacturing costs.
 
North American and European panel cash production costs per unit (excluding mill profit share) increased by 5% and 11%, respectively, as improved productivity and raw material usage were more than offset by higher resin prices and the pre-operating costs at Huguley, Alabama and Inverness, Scotland.
4.    Maintain a margin-focused operating culture.
Generated $12 million in Margin Improvement Program (MIP) gains across the Company from improved productivity and lower raw material usage, despite offset from higher maintenance costs incurred to ensure mill production reliability in strong markets.
5.    Focus on growth customers through best-in-class service and product development.
Increased North American shipments by 3% with 17% growth in specialty products volume.
Specialty products, which encompass industrial and export end uses, now represent 25% of total shipments, up from 22% in 2016.
Increased European OSB shipments by 5% with key UK and German market volumes up by 7% and 4%, respectively.
6.    Allocate capital with discipline.
Invested $253 million in capital projects (including $101 million for Inverness expansion and $37 million for Huguley restart) to maintain the Company’s assets and high standards for environmental and safety performance, improve production efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs.
 
Increased quarterly dividend three times (from C $0.10 to C $0.60) during the year and paid dividends of $101 million.
 
Permanently repaid $200 million senior secured debt at maturity in February 2017.


4

Exhibit 99.2


SUMMARY
(US $ millions, except per share information, unless otherwise noted)
 
2017

 
2016

 
2015

SALES AND EARNINGS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
 
2,177

 
1,766

 
1,509

Operating income
 
549

 
280

 
31

Adjusted EBITDA(1)
 
672

 
385

 
125

Earnings (loss)
 
436

 
183

 
(56
)
Adjusted earnings (loss)(1)
 
389

 
174

 
(12
)
PER COMMON SHARE EARNINGS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss), basic(2)
 
5.06

 
2.14

 
(0.66
)
Adjusted earnings (loss), basic(1,3)
 
4.51

 
2.03

 
(0.14
)
Dividends declared(4)
 
1.50

 
0.40

 
0.70

BALANCE SHEET
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
2,103

 
1,799

 
1,635

Long-term debt(5)
 
548

 
746

 
745

Net debt for financial covenant purposes(1)
 
333

 
619

 
751

Net debt to capitalization, market basis(1)
 
11
%
 
25
%
 
32
 %
Net debt to capitalization, book basis(1)
 
21
%
 
41
%
 
51
 %
KEY STATISTICS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shipments (MMsf–3/8”)
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
6,066

 
5,888

 
5,497

Europe
 
1,867

 
1,779

 
1,740

Indicative average OSB price
 
 
 
 
 
 
North Central ($/Msf–7/16”)
 
353

 
269

 
209

South East ($/Msf–7/16”)
 
330

 
245

 
187

Western Canada ($/Msf–7/16”)
 
326

 
234

 
169

Europe (€/m3)(6)
 
239

 
233

 
224

KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on capital employed (ROCE)(1)
 
45
%
 
27
%
 
9
 %
Return on equity (ROE)(1)
 
47
%
 
30
%
 
(2
)%
Cash provided by operating activities
 
608

 
313

 
24

Cash provided by operating activities per share(1)
 
7.05

 
3.66

 
0.28

(1)
Non-IFRS measure; see Non-IFRS Financial Measures section.
(2)
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are the same except diluted earnings per share for 2017 is $5.03 and 2016 is $2.13.
(3)
Basic and diluted Adjusted earnings (loss) per share are the same except diluted Adjusted earnings per share for 2017 is $4.49 and 2016 is $2.02.
(4)
Dividends declared per share stated in Canadian dollars.
(5)
Includes current and non-current long-term debt.
(6)
European indicative average OSB price represents the gross delivered price to the largest continental market.
Total sales increased by $411 million or 23% in 2017 due to higher North American prices, higher European panel prices and an increase in shipment volumes in both North America and Europe.
North American OSB demand continues to improve, driven by a gradual rebound in new home construction and strong growth in repair-and-remodel and industrial end uses. US housing starts were approximately 1.20 million in 2017, up 3% compared to 2016, with single-family starts 9% higher. The North American North Central OSB benchmark price averaged $353 per thousand square feet (Msf) (7/16-inch basis) in 2017, up 31% versus 2016, while the South East OSB benchmark price averaged $330 per Msf, up 35% versus 2016, and the Western Canada OSB benchmark price averaged $326 per Msf, up 39% versus 2016. Supported by increased mill productivity, Norbord's North American shipment volume increased 3% in 2017 to meet improving customer demand.

5

Exhibit 99.2


Norbord’s European panel business continued to generate steady financial results despite the continued uncertainty from the “Brexit” referendum result (UK withdrawal from the European Union), as economic fundamentals in the Company’s core markets in the UK and Germany remain strong. In response to improving demand and supported by increased mill productivity, the European operations increased shipment volume by 5% in 2017.
Against this market backdrop, Norbord generated operating income of $549 million in 2017, up significantly from $280 million in 2016, and Adjusted EBITDA of $672 million in 2017 versus $385 million in 2016 primarily due to higher North American OSB and European panel prices and increased shipment volumes, partially offset by higher resin prices, higher profit share costs attributed to higher earnings, higher maintenance costs, and costs related to preparing the Huguley, Alabama mill for restart. On the controllable side of the business, Norbord generated $12 million of MIP gains in 2017, measured relative to 2016 at constant prices and exchange rates, primarily from improved productivity and lower raw material usage despite offset from higher maintenance costs incurred to ensure mill production reliability in strong markets.
The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable IFRS measure: 
(US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

 
2015

Earnings (loss)
 
$
436

 
$
183

 
$
(56
)
Add: Finance costs
 
32

 
52

 
55

Add: Depreciation and amortization
 
107

 
94

 
86

Add: Income tax expense (recovery)
 
81

 
61

 
(27
)
Add: Loss on disposal of assets
 
12

 

 
1

Add: Stock-based compensation and related costs
 
3

 
2

 
2

Add: Pre-operating costs related to Inverness project
 
1

 

 

Less: Gain on Asset Exchange
 

 
(16
)
 

Add: Merger transaction costs
 

 

 
8

Add: Severance costs related to Merger
 

 

 
2

Add: Other costs incurred to achieve Merger synergies
 

 
8

 
5

Add: Costs related to High Level fire
 

 
1

 

Add: Costs on early extinguishment of Ainsworth Notes
 

 

 
25

Add: Foreign exchange on Ainsworth Notes
 

 

 
28

Less: Gain on derivative financial instrument on Ainsworth Notes
 

 

 
(4
)
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
 
$
672

 
$
385

 
$
125

(1)
Non-IFRS measure; see Non-IFRS Financial Measures section.
Norbord recorded earnings of $436 million ($5.06 per basic share and $5.03 per diluted share) in 2017 versus $183 million ($2.14 per basic share and $2.13 per diluted share) in 2016. Excluding the impact of non-recurring or other items and using a normalized Canadian statutory tax rate, Norbord recorded Adjusted earnings of $389 million ($4.51 per basic share and $4.49 per diluted share) in 2017, compared to $174 million ($2.03 per basic share and $2.02 per basic diluted share) in 2016. Adjusted earnings improved in 2017 primarily due to significantly higher North American OSB prices and shipment volumes.

6

Exhibit 99.2


The following table reconciles Adjusted earnings (loss) to the most directly comparable IFRS measure:
(US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

 
2015

Earnings (loss)
 
$
436

 
$
183

 
$
(56
)
Add: Loss on disposal of assets
 
12

 

 
1

Add: Stock-based compensation and related costs
 
3

 
2

 
2

Add: Pre-operating costs related to Inverness project
 
1

 

 

Less: Gain on Asset Exchange
 

 
(16
)
 

Add: Merger transaction costs
 

 

 
8

Add: Severance costs related to Merger
 

 

 
2

Add: Other costs incurred to achieve Merger synergies
 

 
8

 
5

Add: Costs related to High Level fire
 

 
1

 

Add: Costs on early extinguishment of Ainsworth Notes
 

 

 
25

Add: Foreign exchange on Ainsworth Notes
 

 

 
28

Less: Gain on derivative financial instrument on Ainsworth Notes
 

 

 
(4
)
Add: Reported income tax expense (recovery)
 
81

 
61

 
(27
)
Adjusted pre-tax earnings (loss)
 
533

 
239

 
(16
)
Less: Income tax (expense) recovery at statutory rate(1)
 
(144
)
 
(65
)
 
4

Adjusted earnings (loss)(2)
 
$
389


$
174


$
(12
)
(1)
Represents Canadian combined federal and provincial statutory rate.
(2)
Non-IFRS measure; see Non-IFRS Financial Measures section.
Pre-tax ROCE was 45% compared to 27% in the prior year. ROCE is a non-IFRS measurement of financial performance, focusing on cash generation and the effective use of capital. As Norbord operates in a cyclical commodity business, it interprets ROCE over the cycle as a useful means of comparing businesses in terms of efficiency of management (see Non-IFRS Financial Measures section). Over the past three years, Norbord’s ROCE has ranged from 9% to 45% and has averaged 24% over the past 15 years. Norbord remains well positioned to benefit from the continued US housing market recovery and growing demand in the Company’s core European markets in the years ahead.
2016 COMPARISON AGAINST 2015
In 2016, sales increased by $257 million or 17% from 2015. In North America, sales increased by 29% due to higher prices and a 7% increase in shipment volumes. Average North Central, South East and Western Canada OSB benchmark prices increased by $60, $58 and $65 per Msf, respectively, which represent increases of 29%, 31% and 38%, respectively, compared to 2015. In Europe, sales decreased by 11% due primarily to the foreign exchange impact of a weaker Pound Sterling relative to the US dollar and lower panel prices, offset partially by an increase in shipment volumes.
Against this market backdrop, Norbord generated operating income of $280 million in 2016, up significantly from $31 million in 2015, and Adjusted EBITDA of $385 million in 2016 versus $125 million in 2015 primarily due to higher North American OSB prices, increased shipment volumes, lower resin and energy prices, and improved raw material usages partially offset by higher profit share costs attributed to higher earnings and higher supplies and maintenance costs. On the controllable side of the business, Norbord generated $15 million of MIP gains in 2016, measured relative to 2015 at constant prices and exchange rates, primarily from improved productivity and lower raw material usage despite offset from higher maintenance-related costs.
Norbord recorded earnings of $183 million ($2.14 per basic share and $2.13 per diluted share) in 2016 versus a loss of $56 million ($0.66 loss per basic and diluted share) in 2015. Excluding the impact of non-recurring items (which includes the gain on the Asset Exchange, costs related to the Ainsworth Notes, which were redeemed prior to maturity in the second quarter of 2015, severance and other costs incurred to achieve Merger synergies, and Merger transaction costs) or other items, and using a normalized Canadian statutory tax rate, Norbord recorded Adjusted earnings of $174 million ($2.03 per basic share and $2.02 per diluted share) in 2016 compared to an Adjusted loss of $12 million ($0.14 per basic and diluted share) in 2015. Adjusted earnings improved in 2016 primarily due to significantly higher North American OSB prices and shipment volumes.

7

Exhibit 99.2


OUTLOOK FOR 2018
US housing starts remain below the long-term annual average of 1.5 million and are recovering more gradually than in any prior cycle. Industry experts are forecasting US housing starts ranging from 1.26 million to 1.31 million in 2018, with an average of 1.28 million which would represent an increase of 7% over 2017. In addition, Norbord expects continued solid growth in repair-and-remodel and industrial demand in 2018. According to the APA – The Engineered Wood Association (APA), the North American OSB industry produced approximately 22.7 Bsf (3/8-inch basis) in 2017, which is approximately 91% of the OSB industry's operating production capacity. Most industry experts expect this ratio to remain stable in 2018, with improving demand absorbing the additional supply from the five mills expected to come online. Although Norbord has secured a long-term wood supply and a renewed union contract, the Company does not currently expect to restart its indefinitely curtailed mill in Chambord, Quebec in 2018. The Company has not set a restart date and will only do so when it is sufficiently clear that customers require more product.
The economic fundamentals in Norbord’s core European markets (UK, Germany, BeNeLux) continue to recover. UK housing starts were 5% higher than the prior year while German housing starts pulled back slightly after eight years of consecutive growth. Due to the weakened Pound Sterling after the Brexit referendum, the cost of imported panels has been rising, which is making UK domestically produced panels more competitive. Norbord expects to continue to run all panel mills at capacity except for the new, larger line in Inverness as it continues to ramp up production after starting up during the fourth quarter of 2017.
On the input cost side, raw material prices are expected to rise modestly in 2018 as resin, natural gas, wax and electricity prices are anticipated to rise with increasing oil prices. As in previous years, Norbord will continue to pursue aggressive MIP initiatives to reduce raw material usage and improve productivity to offset inflation and other uncontrollables in its manufacturing cost structure.
Norbord is planning to make capital investments of $175 million in 2018 for maintenance of business projects and projects focused on reducing manufacturing costs and increasing productivity across the Company’s mills, as well as advancing the Company's specialty products strategy.
Norbord’s competitive cost position, diversified sales strategy and solid customer partnerships leave the Company well positioned for the continuing recovery in housing markets, and Norbord expects it will benefit from stronger OSB demand in the years ahead.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(US $ millions, unless otherwise noted) 
 
2017

 
2016

Sales
 
2,177

 
1,766

Adjusted EBITDA(1)
 
672

 
385

Adjusted EBITDA margin(1)
 
31
%
 
22
%
Depreciation and amortization
 
107

 
94

Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
 
257

 
107

Shipments (MMsf–3/8”)
 
7,933

 
7,667

Indicative Average OSB Price
 
 
 
 
North Central ($/Msf–7/16”)
 
353

 
269

South East ($/Msf–7/16”)
 
330

 
245

Western Canada ($/Msf–7/16”)
 
326

 
234

 Europe (€/m3)(2)
 
239

 
233

(1)
Non-IFRS measure; see Non-IFRS Financial Measures section.
(2)
European indicative average OSB price represents the gross delivered price to the largest continental market.

Markets
North America is the principal market destination for Norbord’s products. North American OSB comprised 76% of Norbord’s panel shipments in 2017. Therefore, results of operations are most affected by changes in North American OSB prices and demand. However, Norbord continues to execute on its recent strategy of expanding North American sales of OSB into new specialty applications to complement the existing strong commodity products business. Europe comprised 24% of total shipments

8

Exhibit 99.2


in 2017. European panel prices have historically been less volatile than North American prices, and therefore affect Norbord’s results to a lesser degree.
Shipments
(MMsf–3/8”) 
 
2017

 
2016

North America
 
6,066

 
5,888

Europe
 
1,867

 
1,779

Total
 
7,933

 
7,667

North America
According to the APA, new home construction is the primary end use for the OSB industry in North America, accounting for approximately 56% of OSB consumption in 2017. US housing starts were approximately 1.20 million in 2017, up 3% from 1.17 million in 2016, and the December seasonally adjusted annualized pace of permits, the more forward-looking indicator, was 1.30 million. Single-family starts (which use approximately three times more OSB than multi-family) increased by 9%, and represented 71% of total starts, up from 67% in 2016. Despite the significant rebound in new home construction since the low of 0.55 million in 2009, US housing starts remain below the long-term annual average of 1.5 million. For context, 100,000 housing starts consume approximately 1 Bsf (3/8-inch basis) of structural panels (OSB and plywood).
According to the APA, North American OSB production increased by 4% in 2017 to approximately 22.7 Bsf (3/8-inch basis), representing 67% of total North American structural panel production and 91% of the OSB industry’s operating production capacity (84% of industry installed capacity). This compares to an estimated operating rate of 88% in 2016. Plywood production, the other main structural panel, increased by 2% to approximately 11.0 Bsf (3/8-inch basis).
North American benchmark OSB prices improved significantly in 2017. OSB prices moved steadily higher for most of the year and reached multi-year highs in the fall following hurricanes in the US South that temporarily pushed demand even further. The North Central benchmark OSB price ranged from a low of $270 per Msf (7⁄16-inch basis) in February to a high of $455 per Msf in October, finished the year at $305 per Msf, and averaged $353 per Msf for the year. The table below summarizes benchmark OSB prices by region for the relevant years:
 
North American Region
 
 
% of Norbord’s Estimated
Annual Operating 
Capacity(1)

 
2017
($/Msf-7/16”)

 
2016
($/Msf-7/16”)

North Central
 
14
%
 
$
353

 
$
269

South East
 
38
%
 
330

 
245

Western Canada
 
30
%
 
326

 
234

(1)
Excludes the indefinitely curtailed Chambord, Quebec mill which represents 6% of estimated annual capacity.
Norbord’s North American shipment volume increased by 3% in 2017. Approximately half of Norbord’s sales volume went to the new home construction sector in 2017, in line with the previous year. The other half went into repair-and-remodelling, light commercial construction and specialty applications (which include industrial and export end uses). Management believes that this diversification provides opportunities to maximize profitability while limiting the Company’s relative exposure to the new home construction segment during periods of soft housing activity. Management expects the Company’s sales volume to the new home construction sector will continue to grow as US housing recovers to more normal levels.
Europe
In Europe, Norbord’s core panel markets remained strong, with continued OSB demand growth in both the UK and Germany. In the UK, where three of Norbord’s four European mills are located, GDP growth was 2%, unemployment remained below 5% and housing starts activity improved. In Germany, Norbord’s largest continental European market, GDP growth increased while housing starts pulled back slightly after eight years of consecutive growth. In this improving environment, Norbord’s European shipment volume increased by 5% and in local currency terms, average panel prices for the full year improved 11% from 2016.
Historically, the UK has been a net importer of panel products and Norbord is the largest domestic producer. A weaker Pound Sterling relative to the Euro is advantageous to Norbord’s primarily UK-based operations as it improves sales opportunities within the UK and supports Norbord’s export program into the continent. In 2017, the Pound Sterling weakened from a high of 1.20 to a low of 1.08 versus the Euro and averaged 1.14 compared to 1.23 in 2016.

9

Exhibit 99.2


Sales
(US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

North America
 
$
1,747

 
$
1,361

Europe
 
430

 
405

Total
 
$
2,177


$
1,766

Total sales increased by $411 million or 23% in 2017. In North America, sales increased by 28% due to higher prices and a 3% increase in shipment volumes. Average North Central, South East and Western Canada OSB benchmark prices increased by $84, $85 and $92 per Msf, respectively, which represents an increase of 31%, 35% and 39%, respectively, compared to 2016. In Europe, sales increased by 6% due to higher panel prices and a 5% increase in shipment volumes, partially offset by the foreign exchange impact of a weaker Pound Sterling relative to the US dollar.
Production
 
(MMsf–3/8”)
 
 
2017

 
2016

North America
 
6,133

 
5,900

Europe
 
1,825

 
1,780

Total
 
7,958


7,680

Total production volume increased by 4% or 278 MMsf (3⁄8-inch basis). The Company ramped up its North American capacity to meet increased OSB demand and its European panel mills continued to run on full production schedules.
North America
North American production volume increased by 4% or 233 MMsf (3⁄8-inch basis) in 2017 due to productivity gains across the Company’s operating mills and the additional production from the Huguley, Alabama mill that restarted in October 2017. Annual production records were achieved at seven OSB mills including Bemidji, Minnesota; Cordele, Georgia; Grande Prairie, Alberta; High Level, Alberta; Jefferson, Texas; La Sarre, Quebec; and Nacogdoches, Texas.
During the fourth quarter of 2017, production at the Huguley, Alabama mill resumed to meet customer demand. The mill had been curtailed since the first quarter of 2009. Production has remained indefinitely suspended at the Chambord, Quebec mill (acquired through the Asset Exchange) since the third quarter of 2008. Norbord does not currently expect to restart the Chambord mill in 2018, but will continue to monitor market conditions. This mill represents 6% of Norbord’s annual estimated capacity in North America.
Excluding the Chambord mill and the portion of the year that the Huguley mill was curtailed, Norbord’s operating mills produced at 96% of their stated capacity in 2017 compared to 94% in 2016. Including the indefinitely curtailed mills, Norbord’s mills produced at 85% of installed capacity in 2017, compared to 83% in 2016.
British Columbia Wildfires
On July 10, 2017, Norbord announced that its mill in 100 Mile House, British Columbia had temporarily suspended production due to wildfires burning nearby in the region. The mill resumed operation approximately two weeks later. Although the wildfires impacted the mill’s production volume, the curtailment did not materially impact Norbord’s results.
Quebec Mill Exchange
On October 28, 2016, the Company reached an agreement with Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LP) to exchange OSB mills in the province of Quebec for no cash consideration. The Asset Exchange closed on November 3, 2016, with the Company swapping ownership of its mill in Val-d’Or for LP’s mill in Chambord. Production at both mills has been curtailed for a number of years. The Chambord mill has an estimated annual capacity of 470 MMsf (3⁄8-inch basis) and the Val-d’Or mill has an estimated annual capacity of 340 MMsf (3⁄8-inch basis).
Europe
European production volume increased by 3% or 45 MMsf (3⁄8-inch basis). Annual production records were achieved at the OSB mill in Genk, Belgium and the MDF line at Cowie, Scotland. All of Norbord’s panel mills ran on full production schedules excluding maintenance and holiday shutdowns and produced at 99% of installed capacity in 2017 (excluding the portion of the year that the new OSB line at Inverness, Scotland was being constructed). During the fourth quarter of 2017, Norbord’s stated annual production capacity was increased by 325 MMsf (3/8-inch basis), reflecting the substantial completion of the new OSB line at Inverness, Scotland. Capacity utilization was 99% in 2016.



10

Exhibit 99.2


Operating Results
Adjusted EBITDA(1) (US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

North America
 
$
638

 
$
352

Europe
 
41

 
41

Unallocated
 
(7
)
 
(8
)
Total
 
$
672

 
$
385

(1)
Non-IFRS measure; see Non-IFRS Financial Measures section.

Norbord generated Adjusted EBITDA of $672 million in 2017, compared to $385 million in 2016. North American operations generated Adjusted EBITDA of $638 million compared to $352 million in the prior year. Norbord’s European operations generated Adjusted EBITDA of $41 million in both years.
North America
Norbord’s North American Adjusted EBITDA increased by $286 million primarily due to higher OSB prices as well as higher shipment volumes with a partial offset from higher resin prices, costs related to preparing the Huguley, Alabama mill for restart, higher profit share costs attributed to higher earnings, and higher maintenance costs.
Europe
Norbord’s European operations delivered another solid year, benefiting from continued strong demand in the Company’s core UK and German markets. Adjusted EBITDA was in line with the prior year as higher average panel prices and shipment volumes were offset by higher resin prices and costs related to starting up the new line at the Inverness, Scotland OSB mill.
Adjusted EBITDA Variance
The components of the Adjusted EBITDA change are summarized in the variance table below:
 
(US $ millions)
2017 vs. 2016 

Adjusted EBITDA – current period
$
672

Adjusted EBITDA – comparative period
385

Variance
287

Mill nets(1)
363

Volume(2)
22

Key input prices(3)
(37
)
Key input usage(3)

Mill profit share and bonus
(15
)
Other operating costs and foreign exchange(4)
(46
)
Total
$
287

(1)
The mill nets variance represents the estimated impact of changes in realized pricing across all products. Mill nets are calculated as sales (net of outbound freight costs) divided by shipment volume.
(2)
The volume variance represents the impact of shipment volume changes across all products.
(3)
The key inputs include fibre, resin, wax and energy.
(4)
The other operating costs and foreign exchange category covers all remaining variances including labour and benefits, maintenance, costs to prepare the Huguley mill for restart and costs to start up the new Inverness line.
On the sales side, housing market activity, particularly in the US, influences OSB demand and pricing. Fluctuations in North American OSB demand and prices significantly affect Norbord’s results. In North America, sales increased by 28% primarily due to stronger OSB prices and higher shipment volumes. In Europe, sales increased by 6% due to stronger average panel prices and higher shipment volumes.
On the cost side, fluctuations in uncontrollable raw material prices significantly impact operating costs. In 2017, average resin prices were significantly higher than the prior year in both North America and Europe. Resin prices are indexed to widely used industrial chemicals derived from oil and gas products. North American and European fibre prices were slightly higher in 2017. Norbord does not own any timberlands; therefore, it purchases timber and wood chips as well as recycled wood materials on the open market in competition with other users of such resources, where prices are influenced by factors beyond Norbord’s control.
The Company realized MIP gains of $12 million in 2017 measured relative to 2016 at constant prices and exchange rates. Contributions to MIP included improved productivity and lower raw material usage partially offset by higher maintenance costs incurred to ensure mill production reliability in strong markets as well as costs associated with executing on strategic initiatives.

11

Exhibit 99.2


These costs include adding in-house technical and engineering expertise to support the execution of capital projects, in addition to investing in sales, marketing and production resources and capabilities to execute on the Company's North American specialty products strategy.
In 2017, Norbord’s North American OSB cash production costs per unit (excluding mill profit share) increased 5% over the prior year as improved productivity gains were more than offset by higher resin prices and the costs to prepare the Huguley, Alabama mill for restart.
FINANCE COSTS, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION, AND INCOME TAX
(US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

Finance costs
 
$
(32
)
 
$
(52
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
(107
)
 
(94
)
Income tax expense
 
(83
)
 
(61
)

Finance Costs
Finance costs decreased in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to the repayment of the $200 million senior secured notes in February 2017 as well as $7 million in interest costs capitalized on qualifying assets.
The effective interest rate on Norbord’s debt-related obligations was 5.9% as at December 31, 2017 and 6.4% as at December 31, 2016.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation expense in 2017 was $13 million higher compared to 2016 primarily due to higher production volumes as the Company uses the units-of-production method for its production equipment and higher level of investment in production equipment. Amortization expense is in line with 2016.
Income Tax
A tax expense of $83 million was recorded in 2017 on the pre-tax earnings of $517 million and a tax expense of $61 million was recorded in 2016 on the pre-tax earnings of $244 million. The effective tax rate differs from the Canadian statutory rate principally due to rate differences on foreign activities, fluctuations in relative currency values and the recognition of certain non-recurring income tax recoveries. In addition, as a result of the US Tax Reform bill enacted in December 2017, the Company recognized a net income tax recovery of $35 million due to the impact of the US federal tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% on the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities.
In 2017 and 2016, the Company made net cash tax payments of $2 million.
At December 31, 2017, the Company had operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes of €32 million from operations in Belgium which can be carried forward indefinitely to offset future taxable income in Belgium. The Company also has operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes of C $22 million and US $149 million from operations in Canada and the US, respectively, which expire between 2026 and 2037. In addition, the Company has capital losses of C $126 million which can be carried forward indefinitely. These loss carryforwards may be utilized over the next several years to eliminate cash taxes otherwise payable and will preserve future cash flows. Certain deferred tax assets in respect of tax losses and other attributes have been recognized and included in deferred income taxes in the consolidated financial statements. The Company reviews its deferred income tax assets at each balance sheet date and reduces the amount recognized to the extent, in the judgement of management, it is not probable to be realized.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
(US $ millions, except per share information, unless otherwise noted)
 
2017

 
2016

Cash provided by operating activities
 
$
608

 
$
313

Cash provided by operating activities per share(1)
 
7.05

 
3.66

Operating working capital
 
127

 
118

Total working capital
 
295

 
278

Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
 
257

 
107

Net debt to capitalization, market basis(1)
 
11
%
 
25
%
Net debt to capitalization, book basis(1)
 
21
%
 
41
%
(1)
Non-IFRS measure; see Non-IFRS Financial Measures section.

12

Exhibit 99.2


At year-end, the Company had unutilized liquidity of $592 million, comprising $241 million in cash and cash equivalents, $226 million in revolving bank lines and $125 million undrawn under its accounts receivable securitization program. Norbord has no investments in, or other direct exposure to, US sub-prime mortgages, US auction rate securities or Canadian asset-backed commercial paper.
The Company’s outstanding long-term debt has a weighted average term of 4.3 years. Norbord’s net debt for financial covenant purposes was $333 million at December 31, 2017, which includes long-term debt of $555 million less cash and cash equivalents of $241 million plus letters of credit of $19 million.
Senior Secured Notes Due 2017
In February 2017, the Company permanently repaid its $200 million senior secured notes upon maturity using cash on hand and temporary drawings on the accounts receivable securitization program which were repaid in the second quarter.
Senior Secured Notes Due 2020
The Company’s $240 million senior secured notes due December 2020 bear an interest rate of 5.375%.
Senior Secured Notes Due 2023
The Company’s $315 million senior secured notes due April 2023 bear an interest rate of 6.25%.
Revolving Bank Lines
The Company has an aggregate commitment of $245 million which bears interest at money market rates plus a margin that varies with the Company’s credit rating. The maturity date of the aggregate commitment is May 2019. The bank lines are secured by a first lien on the Company’s North American OSB inventory and property, plant and equipment. This lien is shared pari passu with the holders of the 2020 and 2023 senior secured notes.
The bank lines contain two quarterly financial covenants: minimum tangible net worth of $500 million and maximum net debt to total capitalization, book basis, of 65%. For the purposes of the tangible net worth calculation, the following adjustments have been made as at year-end:
 
the IFRS transitional adjustments to shareholders’ equity of $21 million at January 1, 2011 are added back;
 
changes to other comprehensive income subsequent to January 1, 2011 are excluded;
 
intangible assets (other than timber rights and software acquisition and development costs) are excluded; and
 
the impact of the change in functional currency of Ainsworth on shareholders’ equity of $155 million is excluded.
Net debt for financial covenant purposes includes total debt, principal amount excluding any drawings on the accounts receivable securitization program, less cash and cash equivalents, plus letters of credit issued and any bank advances. At year-end, the Company’s tangible net worth was $1,248 million and net debt for financial covenant purposes was $333 million. Net debt to capitalization, book basis, was 21%. The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants at year-end.

13

Exhibit 99.2


Norbord’s capital structure at period-end consisted of the following:
(US $ millions)
 
Dec 31, 2017

 
Dec 31, 2016

Long-term debt, principal value
 
$
555

 
$
755

Less: Cash and cash equivalents
 
(241
)
 
(161
)
Net debt
 
314

 
594

Add: Letters of credit
 
19

 
25

Net debt for financial covenant purposes
 
$
333

 
$
619

Shareholders’ equity
 
$
1,019

 
$
650

Add: Other comprehensive income change(1)
 
53

 
79

Add: Impact of Ainsworth changing functional currencies
 
155

 
155

Add: IFRS transitional adjustments
 
21

 
21

Tangible net worth for financial covenant purposes
 
$
1,248

 
$
905

Total capitalization
 
$
1,581

 
$
1,524

Net debt to capitalization, market basis
 
11
%
 
25
%
Net debt to capitalization, book basis
 
21
%
 
41
%
(1)
Cumulative subsequent to January 1, 2011.
Debt Issue Costs
Amortization expense related to debt issue costs for 2017 was $2 million (2016 – $2 million).
Accounts Receivable Securitization
The Company has a $125 million multi-currency accounts receivable securitization program with a third-party trust sponsored by a highly rated Canadian financial institution. The program is revolving and has an evergreen commitment subject to termination on 12 months’ notice. Under the program, Norbord has transferred substantially all of its present and future trade accounts receivable to the trust on a fully serviced basis for proceeds consisting of cash and deferred purchase price. However, the asset derecognition criteria under IFRS have not been met and the transferred accounts receivable remain recorded as an asset.
At year-end, Norbord had transferred but continued to recognize $153 million in trade accounts receivable, and recorded drawings of $nil relating to this financing program as other long-term debt. The level of accounts receivable transferred under the program fluctuates with the level of shipment volumes, product prices and foreign exchange rates. The amount Norbord chooses to draw under the program at any point in time depends on the level of accounts receivable transferred, timing of cash settlements and fluctuates with the Company’s cash requirements. Any drawings are presented as other long-term debt on the balance sheet and are excluded from the net debt to capitalization calculation for financial covenant purposes. The utilization charge, which is based on money market rates plus a margin, and other program fees are recorded as finance costs. During 2017, the utilization charge on drawings ranged from 1.5% to 2.6%.
The securitization program contains no financial covenants. However, the program is subject to minimum credit rating requirements. The Company must maintain a long-term issuer credit rating of at least single B(mid) or the equivalent. As at February 1, 2018, Norbord’s ratings were BB (DBRS), BB (Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services) and Ba1 (Moody’s Investors Service).
Other Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating working capital, consisting of accounts receivable, inventory and prepaids less accounts payable and accrued liabilities, increased by $9 million during the year to $127 million at year-end, compared to $118 million at December 31, 2016. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to higher accounts receivable and inventory partially offset by higher accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Higher accounts receivable was primarily attributed to higher North American pricing and shipment volumes. Higher inventory is a result of better weather conditions for building seasonal log inventory at the northern mills, higher finished goods due to timing of shipments attributed to weather conditions and higher operating and maintenance supplies associated with the new Inverness, Scotland line and restarted Huguley, Alabama mill. Higher accounts payable and accrued liabilities were primarily attributed to higher mill profit share accruals attributed to higher earnings, higher accrued capital expenditures and the timing of payments. The Company aims to minimize the amount of capital held as operating working capital and continued to manage it at minimal levels throughout the year.

14

Exhibit 99.2


Total working capital, which includes operating working capital plus cash and cash equivalents and taxes receivable less taxes payable, was $295 million as at December 31, 2017, compared to $278 million at December 31, 2016. The increase is primarily attributed to the higher cash balance and operating working capital, partially offset by the higher taxes payable.
Operating activities generated $608 million of cash or $7.05 per share in 2017, compared to $313 million or $3.66 per share in 2016. The significantly higher cash generation is mainly attributed to the higher Adjusted EBITDA in 2017.
The following table summarizes the aggregate amount of future cash outflows for contractual obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payments Due by Period

 
(US $ millions)
 
2018

 
2019

 
2020

 
2021

 
2022

 
Thereafter

 
Total

Long-term debt, including interest
 
$
33

 
$
33

 
$
273

 
$
19

 
$
19

 
$
325

 
$
702

Purchase commitments
 
100

 
76

 
11

 
5

 
5

 
5

 
202

Operating leases
 
5

 
4

 
3

 
2

 
1

 
2

 
17

Reforestation obligations
 
2

 

 

 

 

 
1

 
3

Total
 
$
140

 
$
113

 
$
287

 
$
26

 
$
25

 
$
333

 
$
924

Note: The above table does not include pension and post-employment benefits plan obligations, which are discussed in the Risks and Uncertainties – Defined Benefit Pension Plan Funding section.

INVESTMENTS
Investment in Property, Plant and Equipment
(US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

Increased productivity and cost reduction
 
$
103

 
$
38

Inverness project
 
101

 
33

Maintenance of business
 
34

 
21

Environmental and safety
 
8

 
8

Capitalized interest
 
7

 
1

Total
 
$
253

 
$
101

The focus of the Company’s capital reinvestment strategy is to improve production efficiency, reduce manufacturing costs and maintain the Company's assets and high standards for environmental and safety performance. Investment in property, plant and equipment in 2017 was $253 million ($257 million including intangible assets) including $7 million of capitalized interest, representing approximately 236% of depreciation and amortization (107% excluding the capital expenditure on the Inverness, Scotland project and the Huguley, Alabama restart).
Key 2017 projects included the Inverness project (described below), completion of the investment to restart the Huguley, Alabama mill in October 2017, and completion of the fines screening project at the La Sarre, Quebec mill. Key 2016 projects included the Inverness project, fines screening projects at the La Sarre, Quebec and Joanna, South Carolina mills, the finishing end upgrade at the High Level, Alberta mill and additional work to rebuild the press line at the then-curtailed Huguley, Alabama mill.
Norbord is planning to make capital investments of $175 million in 2018 for maintenance of business projects and projects focused on reducing manufacturing costs and increasing productivity across the mills. It will also include investments to support the Company's strategy to increase the production of specialty products for industrial and export end uses. These investments will be funded with cash on hand, cash generated from operations and, if necessary, drawings under the Company’s accounts receivable securitization program or committed revolving bank lines.
Inverness Project
In January 2016, the Board of Directors approved the investment of $135 million over the subsequent two years to modernize and expand the Company’s Inverness, Scotland OSB mill, including moving the unused second press from the Grande Prairie, Alberta mill. The project was substantially completed and the new line started up in the fourth quarter of 2017, with no disruption to existing production capacity. Capital spending of $101 million was invested in 2017 ($134 million to-date). During the year, $13 million of the Highlands & Islands Enterprise development grant was received or receivable ($16 million to-date) which offsets the Company's investment. The investment was funded with cash on hand and cash generated from operations.

15

Exhibit 99.2


Investment in Intangible Assets
In 2017, investment in intangible assets was $4 million and consisted of the investment in software acquisition and development costs. In 2016, investment in intangible assets was $6 million and consisted of the investment in software acquisition and development costs.
CAPITALIZATION
Common Share Information
At December 31
2017
 
2016
 
Shares outstanding (millions)
 
86.4

 
85.8

Dividends (US $ millions)
 
$
101

 
$
26

Market price at year-end (C $)
 
$
42.55

 
$
33.91

The increase in shares outstanding during 2017 was primarily related to stock option exercises. At February 1, 2018, there were 86.4 million common shares outstanding. The average daily volume traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) during 2017 was approximately 233,000 shares compared to approximately 177,000 shares in 2016, and the average daily volume traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) was approximately 46,000 shares, up from approximately 12,000 shares since listing on February 19, 2016 to December 31, 2016.
Normal Course Issuer Bid
In October 2017, Norbord renewed its normal course issuer bid (NCIB) in accordance with TSX rules. Under the bid, Norbord may purchase up to 5,142,773 of its common shares, representing 10% of the Company’s public float of 51,427,739 common shares as of October 20, 2017, pursuant to TSX rules (a total of 86,387,210 common shares were issued and outstanding as of such date).
Purchases under the bid will terminate on the earlier of November 2, 2018, the date Norbord completes its purchases pursuant to the notice of intention to make a NCIB filed with the TSX or the date of notice by Norbord of termination of the bid. Purchases will be made on the open market by Norbord through the facilities of the TSX, the NYSE or Canadian or US alternative trading systems, if eligible, in accordance with the requirements of the TSX and applicable securities laws. The price that Norbord will pay for any such common shares will be the market price of such shares at the time of acquisition. Common shares purchased under the bid will be cancelled. Daily purchases of common shares will not exceed 50,457 subject to the Company’s ability to make “block” purchases under the rules of the TSX. Under its prior bid that commenced on November 3, 2016 and expired on November 2, 2017, Norbord previously sought and received approval from the TSX to repurchase up to 4,280,997 common shares. Norbord did not acquire any common shares under such bid in the past 12 months.
Norbord believes that the market price of its common shares at certain times may be attractive and that the purchase of these common shares from time to time would be an appropriate use of Norbord’s funds in light of potential benefits to remaining shareholders.
From time to time, when Norbord does not possess material non-public information about itself or its securities, it may enter into an automatic purchase plan with its broker to allow for the purchase of common shares at times when Norbord ordinarily would not be active in the market due to its own internal trading blackout periods, insider trading rules or otherwise. Any such plans entered into with Norbord’s broker will be adopted in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.
Dividends
Norbord’s variable dividend policy targets the payment to shareholders of a portion of free cash flow based upon the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flow, capital requirements and restrictions under the Company’s revolving bank lines, as well as the market outlook for the Company’s principal products and broader market and economic conditions, among other factors. Under this policy, the Board of Directors has declared the following dividends:


16

Exhibit 99.2


(C $)
Quarterly Dividend Declared
per Common Share
 
Q2 2013 to Q4 2014
 
$
0.60

Q1 2015 & Q2 2015
 
0.25

Q3 2015 to Q1 2017
 
0.10

Q2 2017
 
0.30

Q3 2017
 
0.50

Q4 2017
 
0.60

The dividend level was decreased twice during 2015 to maintain flexibility in the Company’s capital structure as well as to fund growth and other attractive capital investment opportunities.  The dividend level was increased three times during 2017, reflecting the strength in North American benchmark OSB prices last year and resulting robust operating cash flow for the Company, the positive market outlook for the Company’s products and the continuing expectation that free cash flow will be sufficient to fund current growth and other capital investment commitments for the foreseeable future.

The Board retains the discretion to amend the Company’s dividend policy in any manner and at any time as it may deem necessary or appropriate in the future. For these reasons, as well as others, the Board in its sole discretion can decide to increase, maintain, decrease, suspend or discontinue the payment of cash dividends in the future.
Stock Options
As at December 31, 2017, options on 1.4 million common shares were outstanding, with 59% vested. The exercise prices for the outstanding options range from C $6.50 to C $60.90, with expiry on various dates up to 2027. In 2017, 0.6 million stock options were exercised (2016 – 0.4 million stock options) resulting in the issuance of 0.6 million common shares (2016 – 0.4 million common shares) for total proceeds of $7 million (2016 – $4 million).
Secondary Offering
On August 2, 2017, Brookfield and the Company entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters to complete a bought deal secondary offering of Norbord’s common shares (the Offering). Under the Offering, the syndicate agreed to purchase 3.6 million common shares from Brookfield at a purchase price of C $42.35 per common share. On August 9, 2017, upon the completion of the Offering, Brookfield owned, directly and indirectly, approximately 49% of Norbord's common shares. Norbord did not receive any proceeds from the Offering.
In-kind Distribution
On October 13, 2017, Brookfield completed an in-kind distribution (the Distribution) of an aggregate of 7.1 million common shares of Norbord to investors in certain of its funds. Upon completion of the Distribution, Brookfield owned and controlled approximately 40% of Norbord common shares.
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
In the normal course of operations, the Company enters into various transactions with related parties which have been measured at exchange value and recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The following transactions have occurred between the Company and its related parties during 2017:
Brookfield
As at December 31, 2017, total future costs related to a 1999 asset purchase agreement between the Company and Brookfield, for which Norbord provided an indemnity, are estimated at less than $1 million and are included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company periodically engages the services of Brookfield for various financial, real estate and other business services. In 2017, the fees for services rendered were less than $1 million (2016 – less than $1 million).

In August 2017, upon completion of the secondary offering (see Capitalization), Brookfield’s ownership decreased from approximately 53% to 49% of common shares outstanding. In October 2017, upon completion of the Distribution (see Capitalization), Brookfield’s ownership was reduced to approximately 40% of common shares outstanding.

17

Exhibit 99.2


Other
Sales to Asian markets are handled by Interex Forest Products Ltd. (Interex), a cooperative sales company over which Norbord, as a 25% shareholder, has significant influence. In 2017, net sales of $78 million (2016 – $62 million) were made to Interex. At year-end, $3 million (December 31, 2016 – $2 million) due from Interex was included in accounts receivable. At year-end, the investment in Interex was less than $1 million (December 31, 2016 - less than $1 million).

Compensation of Key Management Personnel
The remuneration of Directors and other key management personnel was as follows:
(US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

Salaries, incentives and short-term benefits
 
$
4

 
$
3

Share-based awards
 
1

 
1

 
 
$
5

 
$
4


18

Exhibit 99.2


SELECTED QUARTERLY INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016

(US $ millions, except per share information, unless otherwise noted)
 
Q4

 
Q3

 
Q2

 
Q1

 
Q4

 
Q3

 
Q2

 
Q1

SALES AND EARNINGS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
 
596

 
578

 
536

 
467

 
482

 
453

 
447

 
384

Operating income
 
172

 
169

 
135

 
73

 
87

 
87

 
67

 
39

Adjusted EBITDA(1)
 
204

 
200

 
165

 
103

 
115

 
115

 
94

 
61

Earnings
 
160

 
130

 
97

 
49

 
61

 
55

 
44

 
23

Adjusted earnings(1)
 
123

 
121

 
95

 
50

 
55

 
58

 
41

 
20

PER COMMON SHARE EARNINGS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings, basic(2)
 
1.85

 
1.51

 
1.13

 
0.57

 
0.71

 
0.64

 
0.51

 
0.27

Adjusted earnings, basic(1,3)
 
1.42

 
1.40

 
1.10

 
0.58

 
0.64

 
0.68

 
0.48

 
0.23

Dividends declared(4)
 
0.60

 
0.50

 
0.30

 
0.10

 
0.10

 
0.10

 
0.10

 
0.10

BALANCE SHEET
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
2,103

 
1,951

 
1,772

 
1,725

 
1,799

 
1,718

 
1,654

 
1,670

Long-term debt(5)
 
548

 
548

 
547

 
547

 
746

 
746

 
745

 
745

Net debt for financial covenant purposes(1)
 
333

 
449

 
567

 
580

 
619

 
705

 
751

 
749

Net debt to capitalization, market basis(1)
 
11
%
 
15
%
 
20
%
 
20
%
 
25
%
 
29
%
 
31
%
 
32
%
Net debt to capitalization, book basis(1)
 
21
%
 
28
%
 
36
%
 
38
%
 
41
%
 
45
%
 
48
%
 
50
%
KEY STATISTICS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shipments (MMsf–3/8”)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
1,562

 
1,537

 
1,536

 
1,431

 
1,601

 
1,463

 
1,487

 
1,337

Europe
 
440

 
474

 
474

 
479

 
447

 
438

 
459

 
435

Indicative average OSB price
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North Central ($/Msf–7/16”)
 
379

 
409

 
330

 
293

 
285

 
301

 
264

 
226

South East ($/Msf–7/16”)
 
355

 
354

 
320

 
292

 
263

 
256

 
245

 
215

Western Canada ($/Msf–7/16”)
 
328

 
388

 
324

 
265

 
236

 
265

 
242

 
191

Europe (€/m3)(6)
 
262

 
233

 
230

 
226

 
230

 
235

 
237

 
230

KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on capital employed (ROCE)(1)
 
52
%
 
52
%
 
44
%
 
29
%
 
30
%
 
32
%
 
26
%
 
18
%
Return on equity (ROE)(1)
 
51
%
 
58
%
 
51
%
 
30
%
 
34
%
 
41
%
 
31
%
 
16
%
Cash provided by operating activities
 
222

 
203

 
144

 
39

 
130

 
97

 
83

 
3

Cash provided by operating activities per share(1)
 
2.57

 
2.36

 
1.67

 
0.45

 
1.52

 
1.13

 
0.97

 
0.04

(1)
Non-IFRS measure; see Non-IFRS Financial Measures section.
(2)
Basic and diluted earnings per share are the same except diluted earnings per share for Q4 2017 is $1.84, Q3 2017 is $1.50 and Q2 2017 is $1.12.
(3)
Basic and diluted Adjusted earnings per share are the same except diluted Adjusted earnings per share for Q4 2017 is $1.41, Q3 2017 is $1.39 and Q3 2016 is $0.67.
(4)
Dividends declared per share stated in Canadian dollars.
(5)
Includes current and non-current long-term debt.
(6)
European indicative average OSB price represents the gross delivered price to the largest continental market.
Quarterly results are impacted by seasonal factors such as weather and building activity. Market demand varies seasonally, as homebuilding activity and repair-and-remodelling work – the principal end uses of Norbord’s products – are generally stronger in the spring and summer months. Adverse weather can also limit access to logging areas, which can affect the supply

19

Exhibit 99.2


of fibre to Norbord’s operations. OSB shipment volumes and prices are affected by these factors as well as by global supply and demand conditions.
Operating working capital is typically built up in the first quarter of the year due primarily to log inventory purchases in the northern regions of North America and Europe. This inventory is generally consumed in the spring and summer months.
The demand for and the price of OSB in North America are significant variables affecting the comparability of Norbord’s results over the past eight quarters. Fluctuations in earnings during that time mirror fluctuations in the demand for and the price of OSB in North America. The Company estimates that the annualized impact on Adjusted EBITDA of a $10 per Msf (7⁄16-inch basis) change in the realized North American OSB price, when operations are running at full capacity, is approximately $59 million or $0.68 per basic share (approximately $50 million or $0.58 per basic share based on the last 12 months of production). Regional pricing variations, particularly in the Southern US and Western Canada, make the North Central benchmark price a useful, albeit imperfect, proxy for overall North American OSB pricing. Similarly in Europe, regional pricing variations and product mix also make the European OSB indicative price a useful, albeit imperfect, proxy for overall European OSB pricing. Further, premiums obtained on value-added products, the pricing lag effect of maintaining an order file, and volume and trade discounts cause realized prices to differ from the benchmarks for both North America and Europe.
Global commodity prices affect the prices of key raw material inputs, primarily wood fibre, resin, wax and energy, which had been increasing as the broader US economic recovery gained traction. Prices for resin, a petroleum-based product, generally follow global oil prices which had been trending down until the third quarter of 2016 and then trending gradually higher for the four subsequent quarters. Resin prices stabilized in the third quarter of 2017.
Norbord has significant exposure to the Canadian dollar with approximately 36% of its global panel production capacity located in Canada. The Company estimates that the favourable impact of a one-cent (US) decrease in the value of the Canadian dollar would positively impact annual Adjusted EBITDA by approximately $5 million when all six of Norbord’s Canadian OSB mills operate at full capacity.
Items not related to ongoing business operations that had a significant impact on quarterly results include:
Loss on Disposal of Assets As a result of the increase in investments in production equipment which were placed in service in 2017, included in the fourth quarter of 2017 is a $3 million ($0.03 per basic and diluted shares) non-cash loss primarily related to maintenance parts for decommissioned production equipment. Included in the third quarter of 2017 is a $2 million ($0.02 per basic and diluted share) non-cash loss of similar costs. Included in the second quarter of 2017 is a $2 million ($0.02 per basic and diluted share) non-cash loss related to decommissioned production equipment. Included in the first quarter of 2017 is a $5 million ($0.06 per basic and diluted share) non-cash loss of similar costs (see Investment in Property, Plant and Equipment).
Stock-based Compensation and Related Costs Included in the third quarter of 2017 is $1 million ($0.01 per basic and diluted share) of stock-based compensation and related revaluation costs. Included in the second quarter of 2017 is $1 million ($0.01 per basic and diluted share), $1 million ($0.01 per basic and diluted share) in the first quarter of 2017, $1 million ($0.01 per basic and diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $1 million ($0.01 per basic and diluted share) in the third quarter of 2016 of similar costs.
Costs Related to Inverness Expansion Project Included in the third quarter of 2017 is $1 million ($0.01 per basic and diluted share) of pre-operating costs related to the Inverness expansion project.
Gain on Asset Exchange Included in the fourth quarter of 2016 is a $16 million ($0.19 per basic and diluted share) gain recognized on the Quebec Asset Exchange transaction (see Quebec Mill Exchange).
Other Costs Incurred to Achieve Merger Synergies Included in the fourth quarter of 2016 is $1 million ($0.01 per basic and diluted share) of other costs incurred to achieve synergies from the Merger including consulting and professional fees. Included in the third quarter of 2016 is $4 million ($0.05 per basic and diluted share) of other costs incurred to achieve synergies from the Merger, including consulting and professional fees, and costs expensed to dismantle certain idle equipment at the Grande Prairie, Alberta mill which was moved to be used in the Inverness project. Included in the second quarter of 2016 is $2 million ($0.02 per basic and diluted share) of other costs incurred to achieve synergies from the Merger including consulting and professional fees. Included in the first quarter of 2016 is $1 million ($0.01 per basic and diluted share) of similar costs (see Merger with Ainsworth).

20

Exhibit 99.2


Costs Related to High Level Fire Included in the second quarter of 2016 is a $1 million ($0.01 per basic and diluted share) insurance claim deductible related to the High Level fire that occurred during the quarter.
The following table reconciles Adjusted earnings to the most directly comparable IFRS measure:
 
(US $ millions)
 
Q4
2017

 
Q3
2017

 
Q2
2017

 
Q1
2017

 
Q4
2016

 
Q3
2016

 
Q2
2016

 
Q1
2016

Earnings
 
$
160

 
$
130

 
$
97

 
$
49

 
$
61

 
$
55

 
$
44

 
$
23

Add: Loss on disposal of assets
 
3

 
2

 
2

 
5

 

 

 

 

Add: Stock-based compensation and related costs
 

 
1

 
1

 
1

 
1

 
1

 

 

Add: Pre-operating costs related to Inverness project
 

 
1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Gain on Asset Exchange
 

 

 

 

 
(16
)
 

 

 

Add: Other costs incurred to achieve Merger synergies
 

 

 

 

 
1

 
4

 
2

 
1

Add: Costs related to High Level fire
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1

 

Add: Reported income tax expense
 
6

 
32

 
30

 
13

 
29

 
19

 
10

 
3

Adjusted pre-tax earnings
 
169


166


130


68


76


79


57


27

Less: Income tax expense at statutory rate(1)
 
(46
)
 
(45
)
 
(35
)
 
(18
)
 
(21
)
 
(21
)
 
(16
)
 
(7
)
Adjusted earnings
 
$
123


$
121


$
95


$
50


$
55


$
58


$
41


$
20

(1)
Represents Canadian combined federal and provincial statutory rate.
The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable IFRS measure:
(US $ millions)
 
Q4
2017

 
Q3
2017

 
Q2
2017

 
Q1
2017

 
Q4
2016

 
Q3
2016

 
Q2
2016

 
Q1
2016

Earnings
 
$
160

 
$
130

 
$
97

 
$
49

 
$
61

 
$
55

 
$
44

 
$
23

Add: Finance costs
 
6

 
7

 
8

 
11

 
13

 
13

 
13

 
13

Add: Depreciation and amortization
 
29

 
27

 
27

 
24

 
26

 
23

 
24

 
21

Add: Income tax expense
 
6

 
32

 
30

 
13

 
29

 
19

 
10

 
3

Add: Loss on disposal of assets
 
3

 
2

 
2

 
5

 

 

 

 

Add: Stock-based compensation and related costs
 

 
1

 
1

 
1

 
1

 
1

 

 

Add: Pre-operating costs related to Inverness project
 

 
1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: Gain on Asset Exchange
 

 

 

 

 
(16
)
 

 

 

Add: Other costs incurred to achieve Merger synergies
 

 

 

 

 
1

 
4

 
2

 
1

Add: Costs related to High Level fire
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1

 

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
204


$
200


$
165


$
103


$
115


$
115


$
94


$
61

FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS
Sales in the quarter were $596 million, compared to $578 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $482 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Quarter-over-quarter, sales increased by $18 million primarily due to higher North American OSB prices and shipment volumes. Year-over-year, sales increased by $114 million primarily due to higher North American OSB prices, partially offset by a decrease in North American shipment volumes due to fewer fiscal days.

21

Exhibit 99.2


In the fourth quarter, North Central benchmark OSB prices averaged $379 per Msf (7⁄16-inch basis). The table below summarizes benchmark OSB prices by region for the relevant quarters:
North American Region
 
% of Norbord’s 
Estimated
Annual Operating 
Capacity(1)

 
Q4 2017
($/Msf-7/16”)

 
Q3 2017
($/Msf-7/16”)

 
Q4 2016
($/Msf-7/16”)

North Central
 
14
%
 
$
379

 
$
409

 
$
285

South East
 
38
%
 
355

 
354

 
263

Western Canada
 
30
%
 
328

 
388

 
236

(1)
Excludes the indefinitely curtailed Chambord, Quebec mill which represents 6% of estimated annual capacity.
In local currency terms, European average panel prices improved by 4% quarter-over-quarter and 17% year-over-year.
In North America, shipments were 2% higher than the prior quarter due to improved OSB demand supported by increased mill productivity. Shipments were down 2% compared to the same quarter last year due to six fewer fiscal days in the current quarter. In Europe, shipment volumes were down by 7% compared to the prior quarter primarily due to seasonality. European shipments were 2% lower compared to the same quarter last year due to fewer fiscal days.
Norbord’s North American OSB operating mills produced at 94% of capacity in the fourth quarter of 2017 (excluding the portion of the quarter that the Huguley mill was curtailed), compared to 97% in the third quarter of 2017 and 94% in the fourth quarter of 2016. Norbord’s European mills produced at 94% of capacity in the fourth quarter of 2017 (excluding the portion of the quarter that the new OSB line at Inverness, Scotland was being constructed), compared to 100% in the third quarter of 2017 and 95% in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Norbord recorded operating income of $172 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, $169 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $87 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Norbord’s Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was up $4 million from the third quarter of 2017 and up $89 million from the fourth quarter of 2016. Operating income and Adjusted EBITDA have increased versus both comparative periods primarily due to higher North American OSB prices.
Adjusted EBITDA changes are summarized in the variance table below:
(US $ millions)
 
Q4 2017
vs.
Q3 2017

 
Q4 2017
vs.
Q4 2016

Adjusted EBITDA – current period
 
$
204

 
$
204

Adjusted EBITDA – comparative period
 
200

 
115

Variance
 
4

 
89

Mill nets(1)
 
21

 
115

Volume(2)
 

 
(5
)
Key input prices(3)
 
(1
)
 
(11
)
Key input usage(3)
 
(8
)
 
(2
)
Mill profit share and bonus
 

 
(4
)
Other operating costs and foreign exchange(4)
 
(8
)
 
(4
)
Total
 
$
4

 
$
89

(1)
The mill nets variance represents the estimated impact of changes in realized pricing across all products. Mill nets are calculated as sales (net of outbound freight costs) divided by shipment volume.
(2)
The volume variance represents the impact of shipment volume changes across all products.
(3)
The key inputs include fibre, resin, wax and energy.
(4)
The other operating costs and foreign exchange category covers all remaining variances including labour and benefits, maintenance, costs to prepare the Huguley mill for restart and costs to start up the new Inverness line.
Adjusted EBITDA is generated from the following geographic segments:
(US $ millions)
 
Q4 2017

 
Q3 2017

 
Q4 2016

North America
 
$
195

 
$
184

 
$
108

Europe
 
12

 
14

 
10

Unallocated
 
(3
)
 
2

 
(3
)
Total
 
$
204

 
$
200


$
115


22

Exhibit 99.2


Norbord’s North American operations generated Adjusted EBITDA of $195 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 versus $184 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $108 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Quarter-over-quarter, the increase of $11 million was primarily attributed to higher OSB prices, improved productivity and lower input prices partially offset by the timing of annual maintenance shuts and seasonally higher raw material usages. The year-over-year increase of $87 million was primarily attributed to significantly higher OSB prices and improved productivity partially offset by the impact of fewer fiscal days, higher mill profit share costs attributed to higher earnings, higher resin prices, and costs to ramp up the restarted Huguley, Alabama mill.
In the fourth quarter, Norbord’s North American OSB cash production costs per unit (excluding mill profit share) increased 1% versus the third quarter of 2017 due to seasonally higher raw material usages and the timing of annual maintenance shuts, partially offset by lower input prices. Unit costs increased by 4% versus the fourth quarter of 2016 due to costs to ramp up the restarted Huguley, Alabama mill, fewer fiscal days and higher resin prices.
Norbord’s European operations generated Adjusted EBITDA of $12 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 which is $2 million lower than the third quarter of 2017 and $2 million higher than the same quarter last year. Quarter-over-quarter, higher average panel prices were more than offset by costs to start up the new Inverness line and seasonally higher raw material usages and prices. Year-over-year, higher average panel prices were only partially offset by costs to start up the new Inverness line and higher raw material prices and usages.
Unallocated costs were higher than the third quarter of 2017 and in line with the fourth quarter of 2016. The positive Adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter of 2017 is a result of the change in policy to reclassify gains and losses on the translation of foreign currency-denominated tax balances from general and administrative expenses to income tax expense (see Changes in Accounting Policies).
Norbord recorded earnings of $160 million ($1.85 per basic share and $1.84 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2017, up from $130 million ($1.51 per basic share and $1.50 per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2017 and $61 million ($0.71 per basic and diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2016. Included in the fourth quarter of 2017 is a $35 million net income tax recovery due to the impact of the US federal tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% on the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities.
Excluding the impact of non-recurring items and using a normalized Canadian statutory tax rate, Norbord recorded Adjusted earnings of $123 million ($1.42 per basic share and $1.41 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to $121 million ($1.40 per basic share and $1.39 per diluted share) in the prior quarter and $55 million ($0.64 per basic and diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2016. Adjusted earnings increased versus both comparative periods primarily due to the higher Adjusted EBITDA.
FINANCIAL POLICIES
Capital Allocation
Norbord considers effective capital allocation to be critical to its success. Capital is invested only when Norbord expects returns to exceed pre-determined thresholds, taking into consideration both the degree and magnitude of the relative risks and rewards and, if appropriate, strategic considerations in the establishment of new business activities or maintenance of existing business activities. Post-investment reviews are conducted on capital investment decisions to assess the results against planned project returns.
Liquidity
Norbord strives to maintain sufficient financial liquidity at all times in order to participate in attractive investment opportunities as they arise, and to withstand sudden adverse changes in economic circumstances. Management forecasts cash flows for its current and subsequent fiscal years in order to identify financing requirements. These requirements are then addressed through a combination of committed credit facilities and access to capital markets.
At year-end, the Company had unutilized liquidity of $592 million, comprising $241 million in cash and cash equivalents, $125 million undrawn under its accounts receivable securitization program and $226 million in unutilized committed revolving bank lines with nine international financial institutions, available to support its liquidity requirements.
Credit Ratings
Maintaining a stable balance sheet is an important element of Norbord’s financing strategy. Norbord believes that its record of superior operational performance and prudent balance sheet management will enable it to access public and private capital markets (subject to financial market conditions).

23

Exhibit 99.2


At February 1, 2018, Norbord’s long-term debt and issuer ratings were:
  
DBRS
  
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services
  
Moody’s Investors Service
Secured notes
BB
  
BB+(1)
  
Ba1(2)
Issuer
BB
  
BB(1)
  
Ba1(2)
Outlook
Stable(3)
  
Stable(1)
  
Stable
(1)
Ratings on both the secured notes and the issuer were upgraded from BB- and the Outlook was revised from Positive in August 2017.
(2)
Ratings on both the secured notes and the issuer were upgraded from Ba2 in March 2017.
(3)
Outlook upgraded from Negative in May 2017.
Credit ratings are intended to provide investors with an independent measure of the credit quality of any securities issue. The credit ratings accorded to debt securities by the rating agencies are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell the debt securities, as such ratings do not comment on market price or suitability for a particular investor. There is no assurance that any rating will remain in effect for any given period of time or that any rating will not be revised or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency in the future if, in its judgement, circumstances warrant.
Use of Financial Instruments
Norbord uses derivative financial instruments solely for the purpose of managing its interest rate, foreign exchange and commodity price exposures, as further detailed in the Risks and Uncertainties section. These activities are governed by Board-approved financial policies that cover risk identification, tolerance, measurement and reporting. Derivative transactions are executed only with approved high-quality counterparties under master netting agreements. Derivative contracts that are deemed to be highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value, net investment or cash flows of hedged items are designated as hedges of specific exposures and, accordingly, all gains and losses on these instruments are recognized in the same manner as the item being hedged.
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(i)
Income Taxes
In January 2016, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued amendments to clarify the requirements for recognizing deferred tax assets on unrealized losses. The amendments clarify the accounting for deferred tax where an asset is measured at fair value and that fair value is below the asset’s tax base. They also clarify certain other aspects of accounting for deferred tax assets. The amendments became effective for the Company on January 1, 2017 and did not have a material impact on its financial statements.
(ii)
Cash Flow Statement Disclosure
In January 2016, the IASB issued an amendment to IAS 7, Statement of Cash Flows, introducing additional disclosure requirements for liabilities arising from financing activities. The amendments became effective for the Company on January 1, 2017 and the additional disclosure has been included in the supplemental cash flow information (note 16) accordingly.
(iii)
Foreign Currency Translation
Effective April 2, 2017, the Company changed its policy on the classification of gains and losses on translation of foreign currency-denominated deferred tax assets and liabilities, taxes payable and receivable, and investment tax credit receivable. Gains and losses on these items are included in earnings and reported as income tax expense (previously reported as general and administrative expenses). The effect of this classification change on prior period comparative balances was $1 million and the balances were not required to be restated.
FUTURE CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(i)
Financial Instruments
In July 2014, the IASB issued the final publication of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (IFRS 9), superseding IAS 39, Financial Instruments. IFRS 9 includes amended guidance for the classification and measurement of financial assets by introducing a fair value through other comprehensive income category for certain debt instruments. It also includes a new general hedge accounting standard which will align hedge accounting more closely with risk management and contains a new impairment model which could result in earlier recognition of losses. Norbord intends to adopt IFRS 9 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2018. Norbord has assessed its financial instruments and does not expect the standard to have a material impact on its financial statements or accounting policies.

24

Exhibit 99.2


 
(ii)
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (IFRS 15), which replaces the existing revenue recognition guidance with a new framework to determine the timing of revenue recognition and the measurement of revenue. In September 2015, the IASB formalized a one-year deferral of the effective date to the year beginning on or after January 1, 2018. In April 2016, the IASB issued an amendment clarifying the guidance on identifying performance obligations, licences of intellectual property and principal versus agent, and to provide additional practical expedients upon transition. Norbord intends to adopt IFRS 15 and the clarifications in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2018. Norbord has undertaken a comprehensive review of its significant contracts in accordance with the five-step model in IFRS 15 to determine the impact on the timing and measurement of its revenue recognition. Based on this review, Norbord does not expect the standard to have a material impact on its financial statements or accounting policy.

(iii)
Share-based Payment
In June 2016, the IASB issued an amendment to IFRS 2, Share-based Payment, clarifying the accounting for certain types of share-based payment transactions. The amendment provides requirements on accounting for the effects of vesting and non-vesting conditions of cash-settled share-based payments, withholding tax obligations for share-based payments with a net settlement feature, and when a modification to the terms of a share-based payment changes the classification of the transaction from cash-settled to equity-settled. Norbord intends to adopt the amendment to IFRS 2 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2018. Norbord has assessed its share-based payment transactions and does not expect the amendment to have a material impact on its financial statements or accounting policy.
 
(iv)
Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration
In December 2016, the IFRS Interpretations Committee of the IASB issued IFRIC 22, Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration (IFRIC 22). The interpretation addresses how to determine the date of the transaction when applying IAS 21, The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates. The date of transaction determines the exchange rate to be used on initial recognition of the related asset, expense or income. Norbord intends to adopt IFRIC 22 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2018. Norbord has assessed its foreign currency transactions and does not expect the interpretation to have a material impact on its financial statements or accounting policy.
 
(v)
Leases
In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16, Leases (IFRS 16), which replaces the existing lease accounting guidance. IFRS 16 requires all leases to be reported on the balance sheet unless certain criteria for exclusion are met. Norbord intends to adopt IFRS 16 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2019. The Company is currently assessing the impact of IFRS 16 on its financial statements.
 
(vi)
Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments
In June 2017, the IFRS Interpretations Committee of the IASB issued IFRIC 23, Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments (IFRIC 23). The interpretation provides guidance on the accounting for current and deferred tax liabilities and assets in circumstances in which there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. The interpretation is effective for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2019. The Company is currently assessing the impact of IFRIC 23 on its financial statements.
 
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to select appropriate accounting policies to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. In particular, significant accounting policies, judgements and estimates utilized in the normal course of preparing the Company’s financial statements require management to make critical determinations that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. For further information on the Company’s significant accounting policies, refer to note 2 of the consolidated financial statements.

25

Exhibit 99.2


In making estimates and judgements, management relies on external information and observable conditions where possible, supplemented by internal analysis as required. These estimates and judgements have been applied in a manner consistent with prior periods and there are no known trends, commitments, events or uncertainties that we believe will materially affect the methodology or assumptions utilized in making these estimates and judgements in these financial statements. The significant estimates and judgements used in determining the recorded amount for assets and liabilities in the financial statements include the following:
Judgements
Management’s judgements made in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements are:
 
(i)
Functional Currency
The Company assesses the relevant factors related to the primary economic environment in which its entities operate to determine the functional currency.
 
(ii)
Income Taxes
In the normal course of operations, judgement is required in assessing tax interpretations, regulations and legislation and in determining the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities. To the extent that a recognition or derecognition of a deferred tax asset is required, current period earnings or other comprehensive income (OCI) will be affected.
Estimates
Assumptions and estimation uncertainties that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment in the year ended December 31, 2017 are:
 
(i)
Inventory
The Company estimates the net realizable value of its finished goods and raw material inventory using estimates regarding future selling prices. The net realizable value of operating and maintenance supplies inventory uses estimates regarding replacement costs.
 
(ii)
Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets
When indicators of impairment are present and the recoverable amount of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets needs to be determined, the Company uses the following critical estimates: the timing of forecasted revenues; future selling prices and margins; future sales volumes; maintenance and other capital expenditures; discount rates; useful lives; and residual values. 

(iii)
Employee Benefit Plans
The net obligations associated with the defined benefit pension plans are actuarially valued using: the projected unit credit method; management’s best estimates for salary escalation, inflation and life expectancy; and a current market discount rate to match the timing and amount of pension payments.
 
(iv)
Income Taxes
Current income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be paid to tax authorities, net of recoveries, based on the tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
Deferred income tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, carryforward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that the deductions, tax credits and tax losses can be utilized. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realized or the liability settled, based on the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

(v)
Financial Instruments
The critical assumptions and estimates used in determining the fair value of financial instruments are: equity and commodity prices; future interest rates; the relative creditworthiness of the Company to its counterparties; estimated future cash flows; discount rates; and volatility utilized in option valuations.


26

Exhibit 99.2


RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
Norbord is exposed to a number of risks and uncertainties in the normal course of its business which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, operating results and cash flows. A discussion of some of the major risks and uncertainties follows.
Product Concentration and Cyclicality
OSB accounts for approximately 90% of Norbord’s panel production capacity. The price of OSB is one of the most volatile in the wood products industry. Norbord’s concentration on OSB increases its sensitivity to product pricing and may result in a high degree of sales and earnings volatility.
Norbord’s financial performance is principally dependent on the selling price of its products. Most of Norbord’s products are traded commodities for which no liquid futures markets exist. The markets for most of Norbord’s products are highly cyclical and characterized by periods of supply and demand imbalance, during which its product prices have tended to fluctuate significantly. In addition, since many of Norbord’s products are used for new home construction, seasonal and annual weather changes can affect demand and sales volumes. These imbalances, which may affect different areas of Norbord’s business at different times, are influenced by numerous factors that are beyond Norbord’s control and include: changes in global and regional production capacity for a particular product or group of products; changes in the end use of those products, or the increased use of substitute products; a significant increase in longer-term interest rates; changes in the availability of mortgage financing; and the overall level of economic activity in the regions in which Norbord conducts business. In the past, Norbord has been negatively affected by declines in product pricing and has taken production downtime to manage working capital and minimize cash losses. Severe and prolonged weakness in the markets for Norbord’s products, particularly OSB, could seriously harm the Company’s financial position, operating results and cash flows, including the ability to satisfy interest and principal payments on outstanding debt.
Based on operations running at full capacity, the following table shows the approximate annualized impact of changes in realized product prices on Adjusted EBITDA: 
 
Sensitivity Factor
        Impact on Adjusted EBITDA  
(US $ millions)  
OSB – North America
$10 per Msf–7/16”
$59
OSB – Europe
€10 per m3
12
Liquidity
Norbord relies on long-term borrowings, access to revolving bank lines and an accounts receivable securitization program to fund its ongoing operations. The Company’s ability to refinance or renew such facilities is dependent upon financial market conditions. Although Norbord has notes maturing in 2020 and 2023 and has bank lines that are committed to May 2019, financing may not be available when required or may not be available on commercially favourable or otherwise satisfactory terms in the future.
Competition
The wood-based panels industry is a highly competitive business environment in which companies compete, to a large degree, on the basis of price. Norbord’s principal market is the US, where it competes with North American and, in some instances, foreign producers. Norbord’s European operations compete primarily with other European producers. Certain competitors may have lower-cost facilities than Norbord. Norbord’s ability to compete in these and other markets is dependent on a variety of factors, such as manufacturing costs, availability of key production inputs, continued free access to markets, customer service, product quality, financial resources and currency exchange rates. In addition, competitors could develop new cost-effective substitutes for Norbord’s wood-based panels, or building codes could be changed making the use of Norbord’s products less attractive for certain applications.
Customer Dependence
Norbord sells its products primarily to major retail chains, contractor supply yards and industrial manufacturers, and faces strong competition for the business of significant customers. In 2017, Norbord had one customer whose purchases represented greater than 10% of total sales. Norbord generally does not have contractual assurances of future sales. As a result, the loss of a significant customer or any significant customer order cancellations could negatively affect the Company’s sales and earnings. Continued consolidation in the retail industry could expose Norbord to increased concentration of customer dependence and increase customers’ ability to exert pricing pressure on Norbord.

27

Exhibit 99.2


Cross Border Trade
Norbord’s future performance is dependent upon international trade and, in particular, cross border trade between Canada and the United States and between the United Kingdom and European Union. Access to markets in the United States and other countries may be affected from time to time by various trade-related events. The Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected by trade rulings, the failure to reach or adopt trade agreements, the imposition of customs duties or other tariffs, or an increase in trade restrictions in the future.
Manufacturing Inputs
Norbord is exposed to commodity price risk on most of its manufacturing inputs, which principally comprise wood fibre, resin, wax and energy. These manufacturing inputs are purchased primarily on the open market in competition with other users of such resources, and prices are influenced by factors beyond the Company’s control. Norbord may not be able to hedge the purchase price of manufacturing inputs or pass increased costs on to its customers.
Fibre Resource
Fibre for Norbord’s OSB mills comes from roundwood logs while the MDF and particleboard mills source fibre in the form of roundwood logs, wood chips, sawdust and recycled wood. Norbord’s wood fibre supply comes from several different sources. In the US, roundwood logs are primarily sourced from private and industry-owned woodlands. In Canada, Norbord holds forest licences and agreements to source roundwood logs from Crown timberlands, which are supplemented by open market and private purchases. In Europe, wood fibre is purchased from government and private landowners.
When Norbord purchases timber, wood chips, fibre and other wood recycled materials on the open market, it is in competition with other uses of such resources, where prices are influenced by factors beyond Norbord’s control. Fibre supply could also be influenced by natural events, such as forest fires, severe weather conditions, insect epidemics and other natural disasters, which may increase wood fibre costs, restrict access to wood fibre or force production curtailments. In addition, Norbord’s supply and cost of fibre may be negatively impacted by increased demand resulting from market-based or legislative initiatives to use wood-based biomass materials in the production of heat, electricity or other bio-based products.
In Canada, the Crown licences and agreements require the payment of stumpage fees for the timber harvested and compliance with specified operating, rehabilitation and silviculture management practices. They can be revoked or cancelled for non-performance and contain terms and conditions that could, under certain circumstances, result in a reduction of annual allowable timber that may be harvested by Norbord without any compensation. The Company may not be able to renew or replace the Crown licences when they come due. Any changes to government regulations and policies governing forest management practices could adversely affect the Company’s access to, or increase the cost of, wood fibre.
Aboriginal groups have claimed substantial portions of land in various Canadian provinces over which they claim aboriginal title, or in which they have a traditional interest, and for which they are seeking compensation from various levels of government. The results of these claims and related forest policy mechanisms may adversely affect the supply of wood fibre and the commercial terms of supply agreements with provincial governments.
Currency Exposures
Norbord reports its financial results in US dollars. A portion of Norbord’s product prices and costs are influenced by relative currency values (particularly the Canadian dollar, Pound Sterling and Euro). Significant fluctuations in relative currency values could negatively affect the cost competitiveness of the Company’s facilities, the value of its foreign investments, the results of its operations and its financial position.
Norbord’s foreign exchange exposure arises from the following sources:
net investments in foreign operations, limited to Norbord’s investment in its European operations which transact in both Pounds Sterling and Euros;
net Canadian dollar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities; and
committed or anticipated foreign currency-denominated transactions, primarily Canadian dollar costs in Norbord’s Canadian operations and Euro revenues in Norbord’s UK operations.

28

Exhibit 99.2


Third-Party Transportation Services
Norbord relies on third-party transportation services for delivery of products to customers as well as for delivery of raw materials from suppliers. The majority of products manufactured and raw materials used are transported by rail or truck, which are highly regulated. Transportation rates and fuel surcharges are influenced by factors beyond Norbord’s control. Any failure of third-party transportation providers to deliver finished goods or raw materials in a timely manner, including failure caused by adverse weather conditions, could harm the Company’s reputation, negatively affect customer relationships or disrupt production at the Company’s mills.
Employee Retention and Labour Relations
Norbord’s success depends in part on its ability to attract and retain senior management and other key employees. Competition for qualified personnel depends on economic and industry conditions, competitors’ hiring practices and the effectiveness of Norbord’s compensation programs. The loss of, or inability to recruit and retain, any such personnel could impact the Company’s ability to execute on its strategy.
Norbord’s US employees are non-unionized while its UK, Belgian and most of its Canadian mill employees are unionized – representing approximately 35% of the workforce. All of Norbord’s UK and Belgian union contracts are evergreen. Canadian union contracts typically cover a three- to five-year term, and the current contracts with Unifor representing members at the OSB mills in La Sarre, Quebec and Chambord, Quebec expire June 30, 2021 and June 1, 2026, respectively. The contract with Unifor representing members at the Barwick, Ontario mill expired on July 31, 2017 and is currently being renegotiated. The contract with the Pulp, Paper and Woodworkers of Canada (PPWC) representing members at the OSB mill in 100 Mile House, British Columbia expired on June 30, 2017 and is currently being renegotiated. Strikes or work stoppages could result in lost production and sales, higher costs or supply constraints if Norbord is unable to negotiate acceptable contracts with its various trade unions upon expiry.
Environmental and Other Regulations
Norbord’s operations are subject to a range of general and industry-specific laws and regulations that apply to most of the Company’s business activities. This includes environmental laws and regulations relating to air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid and hazardous waste management, plant and wildlife protection and site remediation. Further, the Company is required to obtain approvals, permits and licences for the operation of its manufacturing facilities which impose conditions that must be complied with. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could result in fines, penalties or other enforcement actions that could impact Norbord’s production capacity or increase its production costs. The Company has incurred, and expects to continue to incur, capital expenditures and operating costs to comply with applicable laws and regulations. In addition, laws and regulations could become more stringent or subject to different interpretation in the future.
International Sales
A portion of the Company’s sales are exported to customers in developing markets. International sales present a number of risks and challenges, including but not limited to the effective marketing of the Company’s products in foreign countries, collectability of accounts receivable, tariffs and other barriers to trade and recessionary environments in foreign economies. Although the Company purchases credit insurance on all export sales, revenues could be negatively impacted by any customer losses.

Product Liability and Legal Proceedings
Norbord produces a variety of wood-based panels that are used in new home construction, repair-and-remodelling of existing homes, furniture and fixtures, and industrial applications. In the normal course of business, the end users of Norbord’s products have in the past made, and could in the future make, claims with respect to the fitness for use of its products or claims related to product quality or performance issues. In addition, Norbord has been in the past and may in the future be involved in legal proceedings related to antitrust, negligence, personal injury, property damage and other claims against the Company or its predecessors. Norbord could face increased costs if any future claims exceed purchased insurance coverage.
Capital Intensity
The production of wood-based panels is capital intensive. There can be no assurance that key pieces of equipment will not need to be repaired or replaced, or that operation of the Company’s manufacturing facilities could not otherwise be disrupted unexpectedly, for example by adverse weather, power outages, fire, explosion or other hazards. In certain circumstances, the costs of repairing or replacing equipment, and the associated downtime of the affected production line, may not be insurable.

29

Exhibit 99.2


Tax Exposures
In the normal course of business, Norbord takes various positions in the filing of its tax returns, and there can be no assurance that tax authorities will not challenge such filing positions. In addition, Norbord is subject to further uncertainties concerning the interpretation and application of tax laws in various operating jurisdictions. Norbord provides for known estimated tax exposures in all jurisdictions. These exposures are settled primarily through the closure of audits with the jurisdictional taxing authorities. However, future settlements could differ materially from the Company’s estimated liabilities.
Potential Future Changes in Tax Laws
The Company’s structure is based on prevailing taxation law and practice in the local jurisdictions in which it operates. The Company is aware that new taxation rules could be enacted or that existing rules could be applied in a manner that subjects its profits to additional taxation or otherwise has a material adverse effect on its profitability, results of operations, financial condition or the trading price of its securities. Management is continually monitoring changes in tax policy, tax legislation (including in relation to taxation rates), and the interpretation of tax policy or legislation or practice that could have such an effect.
US Tax Reform Legislation
On December 22, 2017, the US government enacted H.R. 1, An Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018 (informally titled the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act). Among a number of significant changes to the US federal income tax laws, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduces the marginal US corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, limits the deduction for net interest expense, shifts the US toward a modified territorial tax system, and imposes new taxes to combat erosion of the US federal income tax base. Although the Company has recognized a net income tax recovery due to the reduction of the income tax rate, the long-term tax effect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on Norbord, whether adverse or favourable, is uncertain, and may not become evident for some period of time.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Funding
Although Norbord’s defined benefit pension plans are largely closed to new entrants, the Company continues to be subject to market risk on the plan assets and obligations related to existing members. Defined benefit pension plan funding requirements are based on actuarial valuations that make assumptions about the long-term expected rate of return on assets, salary escalation, life expectancy and discount rates. The Company’s latest funding valuations indicate the plans are in a solvency deficit position and therefore Norbord is required to make cash funding contributions. If actual experience differs from these assumptions or any of these assumptions change such that the solvency deficit increases, the Company would be required to increase cash funding contributions, reducing the availability of such funds for other corporate purposes.
Information Technology Infrastructure
In order to optimize performance, the Company regularly implements business process improvement initiatives and invests capital to upgrade its information technology infrastructure. These initiatives may involve risks to the operations and the Company may experience difficulties during the transition to these new or upgraded systems and processes. Difficulties in implementing new or upgraded information systems or significant system failures could disrupt operations and have a material adverse effect on the business.
Cyber Security
Norbord relies on information technology to support the Company’s operations and to maintain business records. Some systems are internally managed and some are maintained by third-party service providers. Norbord and its service providers employ what the Company believes are adequate security measures. A security failure of that technology, security breaches of company, customer, employee and vendor information as well as a disruption of business resulting from a natural disaster, hardware or software corruption, failure or error, telecommunications system failure, service provider error, intentional or unintentional personnel actions or other disruptions could disrupt operations and have a material adverse effect on the business. Further, such disruptions could expose the Company to potential liability or other proceedings by affected individuals, business partners and/or regulators. As a result, Norbord could face increased costs if any future claims exceed purchased insurance coverage.

ASSESSMENT OF AND CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROLS AND DISCLOSURE CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
In accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 52-109, Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings (NI 52-109), the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has evaluated the operating effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Management of Norbord is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the CEO and CFO, and it is effected by management

30

Exhibit 99.2


and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 and management believes that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is operating effectively. Management’s assessment was based on the framework established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that Norbord’s internal control over financial reporting, as defined in NI 52-109, is designed and operating effectively. There have been no changes in Norbord’s internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant information is gathered and reported to senior management, including the CEO and CFO, on a timely basis so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding annual and interim financial statement disclosure. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of disclosure controls and procedures was conducted as of December 31, 2017 by Norbord’s management, including the CEO and CFO. Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that Norbord’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in NI 52-109, are effective.

NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES
The following non-IFRS financial measures have been used in this MD&A. Non-IFRS financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Each non-IFRS financial measure is defined below. Where appropriate, a quantitative reconciliation of the non-IFRS financial measure to the most directly comparable IFRS measure is provided.
Adjusted earnings (loss) is defined as earnings (loss) determined in accordance with IFRS before unusual or non-recurring items and using a normalized income tax rate. Non-recurring items include the gain on the Quebec Asset Exchange, costs related to the Merger, pre-operating costs related to the Inverness expansion project, foreign exchange on the Ainsworth Notes and fair value movements on the financial instrument associated with the Ainsworth Notes, and costs on early debt extinguishment. Other items include a non-cash loss on disposal of assets and stock-based compensation and related revaluation costs. The actual income tax expense (recovery) is added back (deducted) and a tax expense (recovery) calculated at the Canadian combined federal and provincial statutory rate is (deducted) added. Adjusted earnings (loss) per share is Adjusted earnings (loss) divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

31

Exhibit 99.2


The following table reconciles Adjusted earnings (loss) to the most directly comparable IFRS measure: 
(US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

 
2015

Earnings (loss)
 
$
436

 
$
183

 
$
(56
)
Add: Loss on disposal of assets
 
12

 

 
1

Add: Stock-based compensation and related costs
 
3

 
2

 
2

Add: Pre-operating costs related to Inverness project
 
1

 

 

Less: Gain on Asset Exchange
 

 
(16
)
 

Add: Other costs incurred to achieve Merger synergies
 

 
8

 
5

Add: Merger transaction costs
 

 

 
8

Add: Severance costs related to Merger
 

 

 
2

Add: Costs related to High Level fire
 

 
1

 

Add: Costs on early extinguishment of Ainsworth Notes
 

 

 
25

Add: Foreign exchange on Ainsworth Notes
 

 

 
28

Less: Gain on derivative financial instrument on Ainsworth Notes
 

 

 
(4
)
Add: Reported income tax expense (recovery)
 
81

 
61

 
(27
)
Adjusted pre-tax earnings (loss)
 
533

 
239

 
(16
)
Less: Income tax (expense) recovery at statutory rate(1)
 
(144
)
 
(65
)
 
4

Adjusted earnings (loss)
 
$
389

 
$
174

 
$
(12
)
(1) Represents Canadian combined federal and provincial statutory rate. 
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings (loss) determined in accordance with IFRS before finance costs, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and other unusual or non-recurring items. Non-recurring items include the gain on the Quebec Asset Exchange, costs related to the Merger, pre-operating costs related to the Inverness expansion project, foreign exchange on the Ainsworth Notes and fair value movements on the financial instrument associated with the Ainsworth Notes, and costs on early debt extinguishment. Other items include a non-cash loss on disposal of assets and stock-based compensation and related revaluation costs. As Norbord operates in a cyclical commodity business, Norbord interprets Adjusted EBITDA over the cycle as a useful indicator of the Company’s ability to incur and service debt and meet capital expenditure requirements. In addition, Norbord views Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of gross profit and interprets Adjusted EBITDA trends as indicators of relative operating performance.
The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable IFRS measure:
(US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

 
2015

Earnings (loss)
 
$
436

 
$
183

 
$
(56
)
Add: Finance costs
 
32

 
52

 
55

Add: Depreciation and amortization
 
107

 
94

 
86

Add: Income tax expense (recovery)
 
81

 
61

 
(27
)
Add: Loss on disposal of assets
 
12

 

 
1

Add: Stock-based compensation and related costs
 
3

 
2

 
2

Add: Pre-operating costs related to Inverness project
 
1

 

 

Less: Gain on Asset Exchange
 

 
(16
)
 

Add: Other costs incurred to achieve Merger synergies
 

 
8

 
5

Add: Merger transaction costs
 

 

 
8

Add: Severance costs related to Merger
 

 

 
2

Add: Costs related to High Level fire
 

 
1

 

Add: Costs on early extinguishment of Ainsworth Notes
 

 

 
25

Add: Foreign exchange on Ainsworth Notes
 

 

 
28

Less: Gain on derivative financial instrument on Ainsworth Notes
 

 

 
(4
)
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
672


$
385

 
$
125


32

Exhibit 99.2


The following tables reconciles Adjusted EBITDA per geographic segment to the most directly comparable IFRS measure:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017

(US $ millions)
 
North America

 
Europe

 
Unallocated

 
Total

EBITDA(1)
 
$
627

 
$
39

 
$
(10
)
 
$
656

Add: Loss on disposal of assets
 
11

 
1

 

 
12

Add: Stock-based compensation and related costs
 

 

 
3

 
3

Add: Pre-operating costs related to Inverness project
 

 
1

 

 
1

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
638

 
$
41


$
(7
)
 
$
672

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016

(US $ millions)
 
North America

 
Europe

 
Unallocated

 
Total

EBITDA(1)
 
$
363

 
$
41

 
$
(14
)
 
$
390

Add: Stock-based compensation and related costs
 

 

 
2

 
2

Less: Gain on Asset Exchange
 
(16
)
 

 

 
(16
)
Add: Other costs incurred to achieve Merger synergies
 
4

 

 
4

 
8

Add: Costs related to High Level fire
 
1

 

 

 
1

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
352

 
$
41


$
(8
)
 
$
385

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015

(US $ millions)
 
North America

 
Europe

 
Unallocated

 
Total

EBITDA(1)
 
$
95

 
$
38

 
$
(75
)
 
$
58

Add: Stock-based compensation and related costs
 

 

 
2

 
2

Add: Loss on disposal of assets
 
1

 

 

 
1

Add: Other costs incurred to achieve Merger synergies
 

 

 
5

 
5

Add: Merger transaction costs
 

 

 
8

 
8

Add: Severance costs related to Merger
 

 

 
2

 
2

Add: Costs on early extinguishment of Ainsworth Notes
 

 

 
25

 
25

Add: Foreign exchange on Ainsworth Notes
 

 

 
28

 
28

Add: Gain on derivative financial instrument on Ainsworth Notes
 

 

 
(4
)
 
(4
)
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
96

 
$
38


$
(9
)
 
$
125

(1) EBITDA is defined as earnings before finance costs, income tax, depreciation and amortization. 
EBITDA margin (%) is defined as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of sales. When compared with industry statistics and prior periods, Adjusted EBITDA margin can be a useful indicator of operating efficiency and a company’s ability to compete successfully with its peers. Norbord interprets Adjusted EBITDA margin trends as indicators of relative operating performance.
Operating working capital is defined as accounts receivable plus inventory plus prepaids less accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Operating working capital is a measure of the investment in accounts receivable, inventory, prepaids, accounts payable and accrued liabilities required to support operations. The Company aims to minimize its investment in operating working capital; however, the amount will vary with seasonality and with sales expansions and contractions.
(US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

Accounts receivable
 
$
174

 
$
141

Inventory
 
224

 
185

Prepaids
 
11

 
10

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
(282
)
 
(218
)
Operating working capital
 
$
127


$
118

Total working capital is operating working capital plus cash and cash equivalents and taxes receivable less bank advances, if any, and taxes payable.

33

Exhibit 99.2


(US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

Operating working capital
 
$
127

 
$
118

Cash and cash equivalents
 
241

 
161

Taxes receivable
 
1

 

Taxes payable
 
(74
)
 
(1
)
Total working capital
 
$
295


$
278

Capital employed is defined as the sum of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and operating working capital. Capital employed is a measure of the total investment in a business in terms of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and operating working capital.
(US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

Property, plant and equipment
 
$
1,421

 
$
1,262

Intangible assets
 
24

 
22

Accounts receivable
 
174

 
141

Inventory
 
224

 
185

Prepaids
 
11

 
10

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
(282
)
 
(218
)
Capital employed
 
$
1,572


$
1,402

ROCE (return on capital employed) is Adjusted EBITDA divided by average capital employed. ROCE is a measurement of financial performance, focusing on cash generation and the effective use of capital. As Norbord operates in a cyclical commodity business, it monitors ROCE over the cycle as a useful means of comparing businesses in terms of efficiency of management. Norbord targets top-quartile ROCE among North American forest products companies over the cycle.
ROE (return on equity) is Adjusted earnings (loss) divided by common shareholders’ equity. ROE is a measure that allows common shareholders to determine how effectively their invested capital is being employed. As Norbord operates in a cyclical commodity business, it looks at ROE over the cycle and targets top-quartile performance among North American forest products companies.
Cash provided by operating activities per share is calculated as cash provided by operating activities as determined under IFRS, divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.
Net debt is the principal value of long-term debt, including the current portion, other long-term debt and bank advances, if any, less cash and cash equivalents. Net debt for financial covenant purposes is net debt excluding other long-term debt and including letters of credit outstanding. Net debt is a useful indicator of a company’s debt position. Net debt comprises:
(US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

Long-term debt, principal value
 
$
555

 
$
755

Less: Cash and cash equivalents
 
(241
)
 
(161
)
Net debt
 
314

 
594

Add: Letters of credit
 
19

 
25

Net debt for financial covenant purposes
 
$
333

 
$
619

Tangible net worth consists of shareholders’ equity including certain adjustments. A minimum tangible net worth is one of two financial covenants contained in the Company’s committed bank lines. For financial covenant purposes, effective January 1, 2011, tangible net worth excludes all IFRS transitional adjustments and all movement in cumulative other comprehensive income subsequent to January 1, 2011 (includes those movements related to the translation of Ainsworth in prior periods).
(US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

Shareholders’ equity
 
$
1,019

 
$
650

Add: Other comprehensive income movement(1)
 
53

 
79

Add: Impact of Ainsworth changing functional currencies
 
155

 
155

Add: IFRS transitional adjustments
 
21

 
21

Tangible net worth
 
$
1,248

 
$
905


34

Exhibit 99.2


(1) Cumulative subsequent to January 1, 2011. 
Net debt to capitalization, book basis, is net debt for financial covenant purposes divided by the sum of net debt for financial covenant purposes and tangible net worth. Net debt to capitalization on a book basis is a measure of a company’s relative debt position. Norbord interprets this measure as an indicator of the relative strength and flexibility of its balance sheet. In addition, a maximum net debt to capitalization, book basis, is one of two financial covenants contained in the Company’s committed bank lines.
Net debt to capitalization, market basis, is net debt for financial covenant purposes divided by the sum of net debt for financial covenant purposes and market capitalization. Market capitalization is the number of common shares outstanding at period-end multiplied by the trailing 12-month average per share market price. Net debt to capitalization, market basis, is a key measure of a company’s relative debt position and Norbord interprets this measure as an indicator of the relative strength and flexibility of its balance sheet. While the Company considers both book and market basis metrics, it believes the market basis to be superior to the book basis in measuring the true strength and flexibility of its balance sheet.
        

35

Exhibit 99.2


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This document includes forward-looking statements, as defined by applicable securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believes,” “expects,” “targets,” “outlook,” “scheduled,” “estimates,” “represents,” “forecasts,” “aims,” “predicts,” “plans,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “supports,” “continues,” “future” or variations of such words and phrases, or negative versions thereof, or statements that certain actions, events or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Norbord to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, comments with respect to: (1) outlook for the markets for products; (2) expectations regarding future product pricing; (3) outlook for operations; (4) expectations regarding mill capacity; (5) objectives; (6) strategies to achieve those objectives; (7) expected financial results including the expected results of the MIP; (8) sensitivity to changes in product prices, such as the price of OSB; (9) sensitivity to changes in foreign exchange rates; (10) sensitivity to key input prices, such as the price of fibre, resin, wax and energy; (11) expectations regarding compliance with environmental regulations; (12) expectations regarding income tax rates; (13) expectations regarding contingent liabilities and guarantees, including the outcome of pending litigation; (14) expectations regarding the amount, timing and benefits of capital investments; (15) expectations regarding the amount and timing of dividend payments; and (16) historical, forecasted and other forward-looking information published by third parties such as the US Census Bureau, FEA (Forest Economic Advisors, LLC), APA, Office for National Statistics and EUROCONSTRUCT which the Company may refer to but has not independently verified.
Although Norbord believes it has a reasonable basis for making these forward-looking statements, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. By its nature, forward-looking information involves numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, which contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts and other forward-looking statements will not occur. These factors include, but are not limited to: (1) assumptions in connection with the economic and financial conditions in the US, Europe, Canada and globally; (2) risks inherent to product concentration and cyclicality; (3) effects of competition and product pricing pressures; (4) risks inherent to customer dependence; (5) effects of variations in the price and availability of manufacturing inputs, including continued access to fibre resources at competitive prices; (6) availability of transportation services, including rail services and port facilities; (7) various events that could disrupt operations, including natural or catastrophic events and ongoing relations with employees; (8) impact of changes to, or non-compliance with, environmental or other regulations; (9) impact of any product liability claims in excess of insurance coverage; (10) risks inherent to a capital intensive industry; (11) impact of future outcomes of tax exposures; (12) potential future changes in tax laws; (13) effects of currency exposures and exchange rate fluctuations; (14) future operating costs; (15) availability of financing; (16) impact of future cross border trade rulings or agreements; (17) ability to implement new or upgraded information technology infrastructure; and (18) impact of information technology service disruptions or failures.
The above list of important factors affecting forward-looking information is not exhaustive. Additional factors are noted elsewhere, and reference should be made to the other risks discussed in filings with Canadian and United States securities regulatory authorities. Except as required by applicable law, Norbord does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by, or on behalf of, the Company, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, or to publicly update or revise the above list of factors affecting this information.


36
EX-99.3 4 a2017q4osb-ex993.htm EXHIBIT 99.3 Exhibit
Exhibit 99.3


Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company’s management which is responsible for their integrity, consistency, objectivity and reliability. To fulfill this responsibility, the Company maintains policies, procedures and systems of internal control to ensure that its reporting practices and accounting and administrative procedures are appropriate to provide a high degree of assurance that relevant and reliable financial information is produced and assets are safeguarded. These controls include the careful selection and training of employees, the establishment of well-defined areas of responsibility and accountability for performance, and the communication of policies and code of conduct throughout the Company. In addition, the Company maintains an internal audit function that conducts periodic audits of the Company’s operations.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and where appropriate, reflect estimates based on management’s judgment. The financial information presented throughout the Management’s Discussion and Analysis is generally consistent with the information contained in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
The consolidated financial statements have been further reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors acting through its Audit Committee, which is comprised of directors who are neither officers nor employees of the Company, and who are independent of the Company’s controlling shareholder. The Audit Committee, which meets with the auditors and management to review the activities of each and reports to the Board of Directors, oversees management’s responsibilities for the financial reporting and internal control systems. The auditors have full and direct access to the Audit Committee and meet periodically with the committee both with and without management present to discuss their audit and related findings.
 

/s/ Peter Wijnbergen
  
/s/ Robin Lampard
PETER C. WIJNBERGEN
  
ROBIN E. LAMPARD
President and Chief Executive Officer
  
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Toronto, Canada
February 1, 2018



1

Exhibit 99.3


kpmg1.jpg    
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Directors of Norbord Inc.
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Norbord Inc. (the “Entity”), which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes, comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Entity as at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Entity’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 1, 2018 expressed an unqualified (unmodified) opinion on the effectiveness of the Entity’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
A - Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
B - Auditors’ Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Those standards also require that we comply with ethical requirements, including independence. We are required to be independent with respect to the Entity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the consolidated financial statements in Canada, the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB.
An audit includes performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatements of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures to respond to those risks. Such procedures included obtaining and examining, on a test basis, audit evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances.
An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies and principles used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a reasonable basis for our audit opinion.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants
We have served as the Entity's auditor since 2007.

Toronto, Canada
February 1, 2018

2

Exhibit 99.3


Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Statements
The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the CEO and CFO, and it is effected by management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 and management believes that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is operating effectively. Management’s assessment was based on the framework established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that Norbord’s internal control over financial reporting, as defined in NI 52-109, is designed and operating effectively.
Norbord's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, has been audited by KPMG LLP, the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, who also audited Norbord's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. As stated in the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, KPMG LLP expressed an unqualitifed opinion on the effectiveness of Norbord's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.

 
/s/ Peter Wijnbergen
  
/s/ Robin Lampard
PETER C. WIJNBERGEN
  
ROBIN E. LAMPARD
President and Chief Executive Officer
  
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Toronto, Canada
February 1, 2018



3

Exhibit 99.3


kpmg1.jpg
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Shareholders and Board of Directors of Norbord Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Norbord Inc.’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Report on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have also audited, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements of the Company, which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes, comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”) and our report dated February 1, 2018 expressed an unmodified (unqualified) opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Form 40-F under the section entitled “Certifications and Disclosures Regarding Controls and Procedures”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB and in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Canada.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants

Toronto, Canada
February 1, 2018

4

Exhibit 99.3


Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
(US $ millions)
 Note
Dec 31, 2017

 
Dec 31, 2016

Assets

 
 
 
Current assets

 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents

$
241

 
$
161

Accounts receivable
3
174

 
141

Taxes receivable

1

 

Inventory
4
224

 
185

Prepaids

11

 
10

 

651

 
497

Non-current assets


 

Property, plant and equipment
5
1,421

 
1,262

Intangible assets
6
24

 
22

Deferred income tax assets
13
4

 
4

Other assets
7
3

 
14

 

1,452

 
1,302

 

$
2,103

 
$
1,799

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity


 

Current liabilities


 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$
282

 
$
218

Taxes payable

74

 
1

Current portion of long-term debt
8

 
200

 
 
356

 
419

Non-current liabilities


 

Long-term debt
8
548

 
546

Other liabilities
9
29

 
27

Deferred income tax liabilities
13
151

 
157

 
 
728

 
730

Shareholders’ equity

1,019

 
650

 
 
$
2,103

 
$
1,799

(See accompanying notes)
Commitments and Contingencies (note 19)
On behalf of the Board:
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Peter Gordon
 
 
 
/s/ Peter Wijnbergen
J. PETER GORDON
 
 
 
PETER C. WIJNBERGEN
Chair
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer


5

Exhibit 99.3


Consolidated Statements of Earnings
 
Years ended December 31 (US $ millions, except per share information)
Note  
2017

 
2016

Sales
21
$
2,177

 
$
1,766

Cost of sales

(1,499
)
 
(1,378
)
General and administrative expenses

(10
)
 
(14
)
Depreciation and amortization
21
(107
)
 
(94
)
Loss on disposal of assets
4, 5
(12
)
 

Operating income

549

 
280

Non-operating (expense) income:


 

Finance costs
12
(32
)
 
(52
)
Gain on asset exchange
22

 
16

Earnings before income tax

517

 
244

Income tax expense
13
(81
)
 
(61
)
Earnings

$
436

 
$
183

Earnings per common share
15
 
 
 
Basic

$
5.06

 
$
2.14

Diluted

5.03

 
2.13

(See accompanying notes)
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
Years ended December 31 (US $ millions)
Note
2017

 
2016

Earnings

$
436

 
$
183

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
 
 
Items that will not be reclassified to earnings:


 

Actuarial (loss) gain on post-employment obligation
10, 13
(3
)
 
5

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to earnings:


 

Foreign currency translation gain (loss) on foreign operations
13
29

 
(37
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

26

 
(32
)
Comprehensive income

$
462

 
$
151

(See accompanying notes)


6

Exhibit 99.3


Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
 
Years ended December 31 (US $ millions)
Note 
2017

 
2016

Share capital


 

Balance, beginning of year

$
1,341

 
$
1,334

Issue of common shares upon exercise of options and Dividend Reinvestment Plan
14
9

 
7

Balance, end of year

$
1,350

 
$
1,341

Merger reserve
14
$
(96
)
 
$
(96
)
Contributed surplus
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of year

$
9

 
$
10

Stock-based compensation
14
1

 
1

Stock options exercised
14
(2
)
 
(2
)
Balance, end of year

$
8

 
$
9

Retained deficit
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of year

$
(402
)
 
$
(559
)
Earnings

436

 
183

Common share dividends

(101
)
 
(26
)
Balance, end of year(i)

$
(67
)
 
$
(402
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of year

$
(202
)
 
$
(170
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)

26

 
(32
)
Balance, end of year
14
$
(176
)
 
$
(202
)
 
Shareholders’ equity

$
1,019

 
$
650

(See accompanying notes)
 
 
 
 
 
(i) Retained deficit comprised of:
 
 
 
 
Deficit arising on cashless exercise of warrants in 2013
14
$
(263
)
 
$
(263
)
All other retained earnings (deficit)
 
196

 
(139
)
 
 
$
(67
)
 
$
(402
)

7

Exhibit 99.3


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
Years ended December 31 (US $ millions)
Note
2017

 
2016

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR):
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
 
 
 
 
Earnings

$
436

 
$
183

Items not affecting cash:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
21
107

 
94

Deferred income tax
13
(9
)
 
57

Gain on asset exchange
22

 
(16
)
Loss on disposal of assets
4, 5
12

 

Other items
16
(8
)
 
(2
)
 
 
538

 
316

Net change in non-cash operating working capital balances
16
(18
)
 
(5
)
Net change in taxes receivable, taxes payable and investment tax credit receivable

88

 
2

 
 
608

 
313

Investing activities
 
 
 
 
Investment in property, plant and equipment

(240
)
 
(95
)
Investment in intangible assets

(4
)
 
(6
)
Proceeds received on asset exchange
22

 
7

 

(244
)
 
(94
)
Financing activities
 
 
 
 
Common share dividends paid

(101
)
 
(26
)
Repayment of debt
8
(200
)
 

Issue of common shares
14
7

 
4

Accounts receivable securitization repayments, net
3

 
(30
)
 

(294
)
 
(52
)
Foreign exchange revaluation on cash and cash equivalents held

10

 
(15
)
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 
 
Increase during year

80

 
152

Balance, beginning of year

161

 
9

Balance, end of year

$
241

 
$
161

(See accompanying notes, including note 16 for supplemental cash flow information)


8

Exhibit 99.3


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(in US $, unless otherwise noted)
In these consolidated financial statement notes, “Norbord” means Norbord Inc. and all of its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates, and “Company” means Norbord Inc. as a separate corporation, unless the context implies otherwise. “Brookfield” means Brookfield Asset Management Inc., or any of its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates, which are related parties by virtue of holding a significant equity interest in the Company.
NOTE 1. NATURE AND DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY
Norbord is an international producer of wood-based panels with 17 mills in the United States, Europe and Canada. Norbord is a publicly traded company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The ticker symbol on both exchanges is “OSB”. The Company is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act and is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
At year-end, Brookfield's interest was approximately 40% of the outstanding common shares of the Company (see note 20).
NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a)      Statement of Compliance
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and with Interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee. These financial statements were authorized for issuance by the Board of Directors of the Company on February 1, 2018.
(b)      Basis of Presentation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
(c)      Basis of Measurement
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for certain financial instruments, which are measured at fair value (as described in note 18).
(d)      Functional and Presentation Currency
The US dollar is the presentation currency of the Company. Each of the Company’s subsidiaries determines its functional currency, and items included in the financial statements of each subsidiary are measured using that functional currency. The functional currency of North American operations is the US dollar and the functional currency of European operations is the Pound Sterling.
(e)      Foreign Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities of foreign operations having a functional currency other than the US dollar are translated at the rate of exchange prevailing at the reporting date, and revenues and expenses at average rates during the period. Gains or losses on translation are included as a component of shareholders’ equity in other comprehensive income (OCI). Gains or losses on foreign currency-denominated balances and transactions that are designated as hedges of net investments in these operations are reported in the same manner.
Foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities of the Company and its subsidiaries are translated using the rate of exchange prevailing at the reporting date. Gains or losses on translation of these items are included in earnings and reported as general and administrative expenses, with the exception of gains and losses on translation of foreign currency-denominated deferred tax assets and liabilities, taxes payable and receivable, and investment tax credit receivable. Gains and losses on these items are included in earnings and reported as income tax expense (previously reported as general and administrative expenses). Gains or losses on transactions that hedge these items are also included in earnings. Foreign currency-denominated revenue and expenses are translated at average rates during the period. Foreign currency-denominated non-monetary assets and liabilities, measured at historic cost, are translated at the rate of exchange at the transaction date. Foreign exchange gains or losses arising from intercompany loans to foreign operations, the settlement of which is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future and which in substance are considered to form part of the net investment in the foreign operation, are recognized in OCI.


9

Exhibit 99.3


(f)      Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits, and investment-grade money market securities and bank term deposits with maturities of 90 days or less from the date of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at fair value.
(g)      Inventories
Inventories of finished goods, raw materials and operating and maintenance supplies are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value, with cost determined on an average cost basis. The cost of finished goods inventories includes direct material, direct labour and an allocation of overhead.
(h)      Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Borrowing costs are included as part of the cost of a qualifying asset. Property and plant includes land and buildings. Buildings are depreciated on a straight-line basis over 20 to 40 years. Production equipment is depreciated using the units-of-production method. This method amortizes the cost of equipment over the estimated units to be produced during its estimated useful life, which ranges from 10 to 25 years. When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment. The rates of depreciation are intended to fully depreciate manufacturing and non-manufacturing assets over their useful lives. These periods are assessed at least annually to ensure that they continue to approximate the useful lives of the related assets.
Property, plant and equipment is tested for impairment only when there is an indication of impairment. Impairment testing is a one-step approach for both testing and measurement, with the carrying value of the asset or group of assets compared directly to the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. Fair value is measured at the sale price of the asset or group of assets in an arm’s length transaction. Value in use is based on the cash flows of the asset or group of assets, discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. The projection of future cash flows takes into account the relevant operating plans and management’s best estimate of the most probable set of conditions anticipated to prevail. Where an impairment loss exists, it is recorded against earnings. If an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the lesser of the revised estimate of recoverable amount and the carrying value that would have remained had no impairment loss been recognized previously. IFRS requires such reversals to be recognized in earnings if certain criteria are met.
(i)      Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of timber rights and software acquisition and development costs. Intangible assets are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization. Timber rights are amortized in accordance with the substance of the agreements (either on a straight-line basis or based on the volume of timber harvested). Software costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives and commence once the software is put into service. Amortization methods, useful lives and residual values are assessed at least annually. If the Company identifies events or changes in circumstances which may indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable, the intangible assets would be reviewed for impairment as described in note 2(h) above.
(j)      Reforestation Obligations
For certain operations, timber is harvested under various licences issued by the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, which include future requirements for reforestation. The fair value of the future estimated reforestation obligation is accrued and recognized in cost of sales on the basis of the volume of timber harvested; fair value is determined by discounting the estimated future cash flows using a credit adjusted risk-free rate. Subsequent changes to fair value resulting from the passage of time and revisions to fair value calculations are recognized in earnings as they occur.
(k)      Employee Future Benefits
Norbord sponsors various defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans, which cover substantially all employees and are funded in accordance with applicable plan and regulatory requirements. The benefits under Norbord’s defined benefit pension plans are generally based on an employee’s length of service and final five years’ or career average salary. The plans do not provide for indexation of benefit payments.
The measurement date for all defined benefit pension plans is December 31. The obligations associated with Norbord’s defined benefit pension plans are actuarially valued using the projected unit credit method, management’s best estimate assumptions for salary escalation, inflation and life expectancy, and a current market discount rate. Assets are measured at fair value. The obligation in excess of plan assets is recorded as a liability and any plans with assets in excess of obligations are recorded as an asset. All actuarial gains or losses are recognized immediately through OCI.

10

Exhibit 99.3


(l)      Financial Instruments
The Company periodically utilizes derivative financial instruments solely to manage its foreign currency, interest rate and commodity price exposures in the ordinary course of business. Derivatives are not used for trading or speculative purposes. All hedging relationships, risk management objectives and hedging strategies are formally documented and periodically assessed to ensure that the changes in the value of these derivatives are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair values, net investments or cash flows of the hedged exposures. Accordingly, all gains and losses (realized and unrealized, as applicable) on such derivatives are recognized in the same manner as gains and losses on the underlying exposure being hedged. Any resulting carrying amounts are included in other assets if there is an unrealized gain on the derivative, or in other liabilities if there is an unrealized loss on the derivative.
The fair values of the Company’s derivative financial instruments are determined by using observable market inputs for similar assets and liabilities. These fair values reflect the estimated amount that the Company would have paid or received if required to settle all outstanding contracts at period-end. The fair value measurements of the Company’s derivative financial instruments are classified as Level 2 of a three-level hierarchy, as fair value of these derivative instruments has been determined based on observable market inputs. This fair value represents a point-in-time estimate that may not be relevant in predicting the Company’s future earnings or cash flows.
The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by its derivative counterparties. However, the Company’s Board-approved financial policies require that derivative transactions be executed only with approved highly rated counterparties under master netting agreements; therefore, the Company does not anticipate any non-performance.
The carrying value of the Company’s non-derivative financial instruments approximates fair value, except where disclosed in these notes. Fair values disclosed are determined using actual quoted market prices or, if not available, indicative prices based on similar publicly traded instruments.
(m)      Debt Issue Costs
The Company accounts for transaction costs that are directly attributable to the issuance of long-term debt by deducting such costs from the carrying value of the long-term debt. The capitalized transaction costs are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related long-term debt using the effective interest rate method.
(n)      Income Taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes and provides for temporary differences between the tax basis and carrying amounts of assets and liabilities. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, carryforward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses to the extent that it is probable that the deductions, tax credits and tax losses can be utilized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted or substantively enacted tax rates expected to apply to the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. In addition, the effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in earnings in the year of enactment or substantive enactment. Current and deferred income taxes relating to items recognized directly in other comprehensive income are also recognized directly in other comprehensive income. The Company assesses recoverability of deferred tax assets based on the Company’s estimates and assumptions. At the end of each reporting period, the Company reassesses unrecognized deferred tax assets. Previously unrecognized tax assets are recognized to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profit will support their realization, or derecognized to the extent it is no longer probable that the tax assets will be recovered.
The Company has certain non-monetary assets and liabilities for which the tax reporting currency is different from the functional currency. Translation gains or losses arising on the remeasurement of these items at current exchange rates versus historic exchange rates give rise to a temporary difference for which a deferred tax asset or liability and deferred tax expense (recovery) is recorded.
(o)      Share-based Payments
The Company issues both equity-settled and cash-settled share-based awards to certain employees, officers and Directors. Both types of awards are accounted for using the fair value method.
Equity-settled share-based awards are issued in the form of stock options that vest evenly over a five-year period. The fair value of the awards on the grant date is determined using a fair value model (Black-Scholes option pricing model). Each tranche of the award is considered to be a separate grant based on its respective vesting period. The fair value of each tranche is determined separately on the date of grant and recognized as compensation expense, net of forfeiture estimate, over the term of its respective vesting period, with a corresponding increase to contributed surplus. Upon exercise of the award, the issued shares are recorded at the corresponding amount in contributed surplus, plus the cash proceeds received.

11

Exhibit 99.3


Cash-settled share-based awards are issued in the form of restricted stock units (RSUs) and deferred stock units (DSUs). The fair value of the liability for RSUs is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The liabilities for the DSUs are fair valued using the closing price of the Company’s common shares on the grant date. DSUs are initially measured at fair value at the grant date, and subsequently remeasured to fair value at each reporting date until settlement. The liability related to cash-settled awards is recorded in other liabilities.
(p)      Revenue Recognition
Sales are recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership pass to the purchaser. This is generally when goods are shipped. Sales are recorded net of discounts.
Sales are governed by contract or by standard industry terms. Revenue is not recognized prior to the completion of those terms. The majority of product is shipped via third-party transport on a freight-on-board shipping point basis. In all cases, product is subject to quality testing by the Company to ensure it meets applicable standards prior to shipment.
(q)      Government Grants
Government grants relating to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment are recorded as a reduction of the cost of the asset to which it relates, with any depreciation calculated on the net amount over the related asset’s useful life. Government grants relating to income or for the reimbursement of costs are recognized in earnings in the period they become receivable and deducted against the costs for which the grants were intended to compensate.
(r)      Impairment of Non-Derivative Financial Assets
Financial assets not classified at fair value through profit or loss are assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is objective evidence of impairment.
(s)      Measurements of Fair Value
A number of the Company’s accounting policies and disclosures require the measurement of fair value, for both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities.
The Company has an established framework with respect to the measurement of fair values. If third-party information, such as broker quotes or pricing services, is used to measure fair values, then management assesses the evidence obtained from these sources to support the conclusion that such valuations meet the requirements of IFRS, including the level in the fair value hierarchy at which such valuations should be classified.
When measuring the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Company uses observable market data as far as possible. Fair values are categorized into different levels in a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used in the valuation technique, as follows:
 
Level 1
unadjusted quoted prices available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2
inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices); and
Level 3
inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
(t)      Critical Judgements and Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make critical judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect: the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses; disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Such differences in estimates are recognized when realized on a prospective basis.
In making estimates and judgements, management relies on external information and observable conditions where possible, supplemented by internal analysis as required. These estimates and judgements have been applied in a manner consistent with prior periods and there are no known trends, commitments, events or uncertainties that we believe will materially affect the methodology or assumptions utilized in making these estimates and judgements in these financial statements. The significant estimates and judgements used in determining the recorded amount for assets and liabilities in the financial statements include the following:

12

Exhibit 99.3


A.    Judgements
Management’s judgements made in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements are:
 
(i)Functional Currency
The Company assesses the relevant factors related to the primary economic environment in which its entities operate to determine their functional currency.
(ii)Income Taxes
In the normal course of operations, judgement is required in assessing tax interpretations, regulations and legislation and in determining the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities. These judgements are subject to various uncertainties concerning the interpretation and application of tax laws in the filing of its tax returns in operating jurisdictions, which could materially affect the Company’s earnings or cash flows. There can be no assurance that the tax authorities will not challenge the Company’s filing positions. To the extent that a recognition or derecognition of a deferred tax asset is required, current period earnings or OCI will be affected.
B.    Estimates
Assumptions and estimation uncertainties that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment in the year ended December 31, 2017 are:
 
(i)
Inventory
The Company estimates the net realizable value of its finished goods and raw materials inventory using estimates regarding future selling prices. The net realizable value of operating and maintenance supplies inventory uses estimates regarding replacement costs.
 
(ii)
Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets
When indicators of impairment are present and the recoverable amount of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets need to be determined, the Company uses the following critical estimates: the timing of forecasted revenues; future selling prices and margins; future sales volumes; maintenance and other capital expenditures; discount rates; useful lives; and residual values.
 
(iii)
Employee Benefit Plans
The net obligations associated with the defined benefit pension plans are actuarially valued using: the projected unit credit method; management’s best estimates for salary escalation, inflation and life expectancy; and a current market discount rate to match the timing and amount of pension payments.
 
(iv)
Income Taxes
Current income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be paid to tax authorities, net of recoveries, based on the tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
Deferred income tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences and carryforward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that the deductions, tax credits and tax losses can be utilized. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realized or the liability settled, based on the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
 
(v)
Financial Instruments
The critical assumptions and estimates used in determining the fair value of financial instruments are: equity and commodity prices; future interest rates; the relative creditworthiness of the Company to its counterparties; estimated future cash flows; discount rates; and volatility utilized in option valuations.
(u) Changes in Accounting Policies
(i)
Income Taxes
In January 2016, the IASB issued amendments to clarify the requirements for recognizing deferred tax assets on unrealized losses. The amendments clarify the accounting for deferred tax where an asset is measured at fair value and that fair value is below the asset’s tax base. They also clarify certain other aspects of accounting for deferred tax assets. The amendments became effective for the Company on January 1, 2017 and did not have any impact on its financial statements.

13

Exhibit 99.3


(ii)
Cash Flow Statement Disclosure
In January 2016, the IASB issued an amendment to IAS 7, Statement of Cash Flows, introducing additional disclosure requirements for liabilities arising from financing activities. The amendments became effective for the Company on January 1, 2017 and the additional disclosure has been included in the supplemental cash flow information (note 16) accordingly.
(iii)
Foreign Currency Translation
Effective April 2, 2017, the Company changed its policy on the classification of gains and losses on translation of foreign currency-denominated deferred tax assets and liabilities, taxes payable and receivable, and investment tax credit receivable. Gains and losses on these items are included in earnings and reported as income tax expense (previously reported as general and administrative expenses). The effect of this classification change on prior period comparative balances was $1 million and the balances were not required to be restated.
(v) Future Changes in Accounting Policies
(i)Financial Instruments
In July 2014, the IASB issued the final publication of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (IFRS 9), superseding IAS 39, Financial Instruments. IFRS 9 includes amended guidance for the classification and measurement of financial assets by introducing a fair value through other comprehensive income category for certain debt instruments. It also includes a new general hedge accounting standard which will align hedge accounting more closely with risk management and contains a new impairment model which could result in earlier recognition of losses. Norbord intends to adopt IFRS 9 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2018. Norbord has assessed its financial instruments and does not expect the standard to have a material impact on its financial statements or accounting policy.
 
(ii)Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (IFRS 15), which replaces the existing revenue recognition guidance with a new framework to determine the timing of revenue recognition and the measurement of revenue. In September 2015, the IASB formalized a one-year deferral of the effective date to the year beginning on or after January 1, 2018. In April 2016, the IASB issued an amendment clarifying the guidance on identifying performance obligations, licences of intellectual property, and principal versus agent, and to provide additional practical expedients upon transition. Norbord intends to adopt IFRS 15 and the clarifications in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2018. Norbord has undertaken a comprehensive review of its significant contracts in accordance with the five-step model in IFRS 15 to determine the impact on the timing and measurement of its revenue recognition. Based on this review, Norbord does not expect the standard to have a material impact on its financial statements or accounting policy.
 
(iii)Share-based Payment
In June 2016, the IASB issued an amendment to IFRS 2, Share-based Payment, clarifying the accounting for certain types of share-based payment transactions. The amendments provide requirements on accounting for the effects of vesting and non-vesting conditions of cash-settled share-based payments, withholding tax obligations for share-based payments with a net settlement feature, and when a modification to the terms of a share-based payment changes the classification of the transaction from cash-settled to equity-settled. Norbord intends to adopt the amendments to IFRS 2 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2018. Norbord has assessed its share-based payment transactions and does not expect the amendments to have a material impact on its financial statements or accounting policy.
 
(iv)Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration
In December 2016, the IFRS Interpretations Committee of the IASB issued IFRIC 22, Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration (IFRIC 22). The interpretation addresses how to determine the date of the transaction when applying IAS 21, The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates. The date of transaction determines the exchange rate to be used on initial recognition of the related asset, expense or income. Norbord intends to adopt IFRIC 22 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2018. Norbord has assessed its foreign currency transactions and does not expect the interpretation to have a material impact on its financial statements or accounting policy.
 

14

Exhibit 99.3


(v)Leases
In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16, Leases (IFRS 16), which replaces the existing lease accounting guidance. IFRS 16 requires all leases to be reported on the balance sheet unless certain criteria for exclusion are met. Norbord intends to adopt IFRS 16 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2019. The Company is currently assessing the impact of IFRS 16 on its financial statements.

(vi)
Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments
In June 2017, the IFRS Interpretations Committee of the IASB issued IFRIC 23, Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments (IFRIC 23). The interpretation provides guidance on the accounting for current and deferred tax liabilities and assets in circumstances in which there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. The interpretation is effective for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2019. The Company is currently assessing the impact of IFRIC 23 on its financial statements.
NOTE 3. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
The Company has a $125 million multi-currency accounts receivable securitization program with a third-party trust sponsored by a highly rated Canadian financial institution. The program is revolving and has an evergreen commitment subject to termination on 12 months’ notice. Under the program, Norbord has transferred substantially all of its present and future trade accounts receivable to the trust, on a fully serviced basis, for proceeds consisting of cash and deferred purchase price. However, the asset derecognition criteria under IFRS have not been met and the transferred accounts receivable remain recorded as an asset.
At year-end, Norbord had transferred but continued to recognize $153 million (December 31, 2016$125 million) in trade accounts receivable, and Norbord recorded drawings of $nil as other long-term debt (December 31, 2016 – $nil) relating to this financing program. The level of accounts receivable transferred under the program fluctuates with the level of shipment volumes, product prices and foreign exchange rates. The amount Norbord chooses to draw under the program at any point in time depends on the level of accounts receivable transferred and timing of cash settlements and fluctuates with the Company’s cash requirements. Any drawings are presented as other long-term debt on the balance sheet and are excluded from the net debt to capitalization calculation for financial covenant purposes (note 17). The utilization charge, which is based on money market rates plus a margin, and other program fees are recorded as finance costs. For the year, the utilization charge on drawings ranged from 1.5% to 2.6%.
The securitization program contains no financial covenants; however, the program is subject to minimum credit-rating requirements. The Company must maintain a long-term issuer credit rating of at least single B (mid) or the equivalent. As at February 1, 2018, Norbord’s ratings were BB (DBRS), BB (Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services) and Ba1 (Moody’s Investors Service).
NOTE 4. INVENTORY
(US $ millions)
 
Dec 31, 2017

 
Dec 31, 2016

Raw materials
$
68

 
$
55

Finished goods
74

 
61

Operating and maintenance supplies
82

 
69

 
$
224

 
$
185

At year-end, the provision to reflect inventories at the lower of cost and net realizable value was $14 million (December 31, 2016$10 million). The change in inventory provision of $4 million (2016 – $nil) has been recognized in loss on disposal of assets on the statement of earnings.
NOTE 5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

(US $ millions) 
 
Note
Land
 

 
Buildings
 

 
Production
Equipment
 

 
Construction in
Progress
 

 
Total
 

Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
$
12

 
$
300

 
$
1,276

 
$
95

 
$
1,683

Additions(1)
 

 

 

 
101

 
101

Net change from asset exchange
22
1

 
5

 
4

 

 
10

Disposals
 

 

 
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
Transfers
 

 
8

 
49

 
(57
)
 

Effect of foreign exchange
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
(43
)
 
(3
)
 
(49
)
December 31, 2016
 
12

 
311

 
1,283

 
136

 
1,742

Additions(1)
 

 

 
1

 
252

 
253

Disposals
 

 
(2
)
 
(16
)
 

 
(18
)
Transfers
 

 
31

 
268

 
(299
)
 

Effect of foreign exchange
 

 
3

 
13

 
9

 
25

December 31, 2017
 
$
12

 
$
343

 
$
1,549

 
$
98

 
$
2,002

Accumulated depreciation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
$

 
$
85

 
$
338

 
$

 
$
423

Depreciation
 

 
16

 
76

 

 
92

Disposals
 

 

 
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
Net change from asset exchange
22

 
(1
)
 

 

 
(1
)
Effect of foreign exchange
 

 

 
(31
)
 

 
(31
)
December 31, 2016
 

 
100

 
380

 

 
480

Depreciation
 

 
17

 
88

 

 
105

Disposals
 

 

 
(10
)
 

 
(10
)
Effect of foreign exchange
 

 
1

 
5

 

 
6

December 31, 2017
 
$

 
$
118

 
$
463

 
$

 
$
581

Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
$
12

 
$
211

 
$
903

 
$
136

 
$
1,262

December 31, 2017
 
12

 
225

 
1,086

 
98

 
1,421

(1) Net of government grants of $13 million (2016 – $3 million) received or receivable related to the Inverness expansion project.
In 2017, interest costs of $7 million (2016$1 million) were capitalized and included in the cost of qualifying assets within additions.
NOTE 6. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

(US $ millions) 
 
Cost 

 
Accumulated 
Amortization 

 
Net Book Value 

December 31, 2015
$
34

 
$
16

 
$
18

Additions
6

 
2

 
4

Disposals
(1
)
 
(1
)
 

December 31, 2016
39

 
17

 
22

Additions
4

 
2

 
2

Effect of foreign exchange
1

 
1

 

December 31, 2017
$
44

 
$
20

 
$
24


15

Exhibit 99.3


NOTE 7. OTHER ASSETS
(US $ millions) 
Note
Dec 31, 2017

 
Dec 31, 2016

Defined benefit pension asset
10
$
2

 
$

Foreign currency forward contracts
18
1

 

Investment tax credit receivable
 

 
13

Other
 

 
1

 
 
$
3

 
$
14

NOTE 8. LONG-TERM DEBT
(US $ millions)
Dec 31, 2017

 
Dec 31, 2016

Principal value
 
 
 
7.7% senior secured notes due February 2017
$

 
$
200

5.375% senior secured notes due December 2020
240

 
240

6.25% senior secured notes due April 2023
315

 
315

 
555

 
755

Less: Unamortized debt issue costs
(7
)
 
(9
)
Less: Current portion

 
(200
)
 
$
548

 
$
546

Maturities of long-term debt are as follows:
 
(US $ millions)
2018

 
2019

 
2020

 
2021

 
2022

 
Thereafter

 
Total

Maturities of long-term debt
$

 
$

 
$
240

 
$

 
$

 
$
315

 
$
555

As at December 31, 2017, the weighted average effective interest rate on the Company’s debt-related obligations was 5.9% (2016 – 6.4%).
Senior Secured Notes Due 2017
The Company’s senior secured notes due in February 2017 bore a fixed interest rate that varied with the changes in the Company’s credit ratings. In 2017 and 2016, the interest rate was 7.70%. In February 2017, the Company repaid these notes at maturity.
Senior Secured Notes Due 2020
The Company’s senior secured notes due in December 2020 bear a fixed interest rate of 5.375%. The notes rank pari passu with the Company’s existing senior secured notes due in 2023 and committed revolving bank lines.
Senior Secured Notes Due 2023
The Company’s senior secured notes due in April 2023 bear a fixed interest rate of 6.25%. The notes rank pari passu with the Company’s existing senior secured notes due in 2020 and committed revolving bank lines.
Revolving Bank Lines
The Company has an aggregate commitment of $245 million under committed revolving bank lines which bear interest at money market rates plus a margin that varies with the Company’s credit rating. The maturity date of the total aggregate commitment is May 2019. The bank lines are secured by a first lien on the Company’s North American OSB inventory and property, plant and equipment. This lien is shared pari passu with holders of the 2020 and 2023 senior secured notes.
At year-end, none of the revolving bank lines were drawn as cash, $19 million (2016 – $25 million) was utilized for letters of credit and $226 million (2016 – $220 million) was available to support short-term liquidity requirements.
The revolving bank lines contain two quarterly financial covenants: minimum tangible net worth of $500 million and maximum net debt to total capitalization, book basis (note 17), of 65%. The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants at year-end.
Debt Issue Costs
Finance expense related to amortization of debt issue costs for 2017 was $2 million (2016 – $2 million).

16

Exhibit 99.3


NOTE 9. OTHER LIABILITIES
(US $ millions)
Note
Dec 31, 2017

 
Dec 31, 2016

Defined benefit pension obligation
10
$
20

 
$
18

Accrued employee benefits
14
6

 
5

Reforestation obligation
 
2

 
2

Other
 
1

 
2

 
 
$
29

 
$
27

NOTE 10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Pension Plans
Norbord has a number of pension plans in which participation is available to substantially all employees. Norbord’s obligations under its defined benefit pension plans are determined periodically through the preparation of actuarial valuations. All of Norbord’s pension plans are up-to-date on their actuarial valuations in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Information about Norbord’s defined benefit pension obligations and assets is as follows:
 
(US $ millions)
Note
2017

 
2016

Change in accrued benefit obligation during the year
 
 
 
 
Accrued benefit obligation, beginning of year
 
$
152

 
$
140

Current service cost
 
3

 
3

Interest on accrued benefit obligation
 
6

 
6

Benefits paid
 
(12
)
 
(9
)
Net actuarial loss arising from changes to:
 
 
 
 
Financial assumptions
 
7

 
5

Increase arising from the asset exchange
22

 
6

Foreign currency exchange rate impact
 
11

 
1

 
Accrued benefit obligation, end of year(1)
 
$
167

 
$
152

Change in plan assets during the year
 
 
 
 
Plan assets, beginning of year
 
$
134

 
$
117

Interest income
 
5

 
5

Remeasurement gains:
 
 
 
 
Return on plan assets (excluding interest income)
 
5

 
10

Employer contributions
 
7

 
7

Benefits paid
 
(12
)
 
(9
)
Increase arising from the asset exchange
22

 
4

Foreign currency exchange rate impact
 
10

 

 
Plan assets, end of year(1)
 
$
149

 
$
134

Funded status
 
 
 
 
Accrued benefit obligation
 
$
167

 
$
152

Plan assets
 
(149
)
 
(134
)
 
Accrued benefit obligation in excess of plan assets(1)
 
$
18

 
$
18

(1) All plans have accrued benefit obligations in excess of plan assets with the exception of the UK plan, which has been presented as other assets.
The components of benefit expense recognized in the statement of earnings are as follows:
 
(US $ millions)
2017

 
2016

Current service cost
$
3

 
$
3

Interest cost
1

 
1

 
Net periodic pension expense
$
4

 
$
4


17

Exhibit 99.3


The significant weighted average actuarial assumptions are as follows:
 
2017

 
2016

Used in calculation of accrued benefit obligation, end of year
 
 
 
Discount rate
3.4
%
 
3.7
%
Rate of compensation increase
2.9
%
 
2.8
%
Used in calculation of net periodic pension expense for the year
 
 
 
Discount rate
3.7
%
 
3.9
%
Rate of compensation increase
2.9
%
 
2.8
%
The impact of a change to the significant actuarial assumptions on the accrued benefit obligation as at December 31, 2017 is as follows:
 
(US $ millions)
 
Increase  

 
 
Decrease  

Discount rate (0.5% change)
$
(13
)
 
$
14

Compensation rate (1.0% change)
3

 
(3
)
Future life expectancy (1 year movement)
4

 
(4
)
Retirement age (1 year movement)
(2
)
 

The weighted average asset allocation of Norbord’s defined benefit pension plan assets is as follows:
 
 
Dec 31, 2017

 
Dec 31, 2016

Asset category
 
 
 
Equity investments
55
%
 
57
%
Fixed income investments
45
%
 
40
%
Cash

 
3
%
 
Total assets
100
%
 
100
%
Cost of sales and general and administrative expenses include $12 million (2016 – $11 million) related to contributions to Norbord’s defined contribution pension plans.
NOTE 11. EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Included in cost of sales and general and administrative expenses are the following:
 
(US $ millions)
2017

 
2016

Short-term employee compensation and benefits
$
203

 
$
178

Long-term employee compensation and benefits
32

 
30

Share-based payments
2

 
2

 
$
237

 
$
210


18

Exhibit 99.3


NOTE 12. FINANCE COSTS
The components of finance costs were as follows:
 
(US $ millions)
2017

 
2016

Interest on long-term debt(1)
$
27

 
$
47

Interest on other long-term debt
1

 
1

Amortization of debt issue costs
2

 
2

Revolving bank lines fees and other
1

 
1

 
31

 
51

Net interest expense on net pension obligation
1

 
1

Total finance costs
$
32

 
$
52

(1) Net of capitalized interest of $7 million and $1 million, respectively (note 5).
NOTE 13. INCOME TAX
Deferred income tax balances reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the balance sheet and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
The source of deferred income tax balances is as follows:
 
(US $ millions)
Dec 31, 2017

 
Dec 31, 2016

Property, plant and equipment, differences in basis
$
(200
)
 
$
(248
)
Benefit of tax loss carryforwards
38

 
87

Other temporary differences in basis
15

 
8

Net deferred income tax liabilities
$
(147
)
 
$
(153
)
 
(US $ millions)
Dec 31, 2017

 
Dec 31, 2016

Deferred income tax assets
$
4

 
$
4

Deferred income tax liabilities
(151
)
 
(157
)
Net deferred income tax liabilities
$
(147
)
 
$
(153
)
As at December 31, 2017, the Company had the following approximate unused tax losses available to carry forward:
 
 
 
Amount (millions)

 
Latest Expiry Year
Tax loss carryforwards
 
 
United States

US $149

2037
Canada – capital loss

C $126

Indefinite
Canada – non-capital loss

C $22

2037
Belgium

€32

Indefinite
United Kingdom

£1

Indefinite
The loss carryforwards may be utilized over the next several years to eliminate cash taxes otherwise payable. Certain deferred tax benefits relating to the above losses have been included in deferred income taxes in the consolidated financial statements. At each balance sheet date, the Company assesses its deferred income tax assets and recognizes the amounts that, in the judgement of management, are probable to be utilized. During the year, the Company recognized $14 million in net deferred tax assets (2016 – $2 million in net deferred assets recognized) relating to prior years’ losses and temporary differences. The Company also recognized $2 million net deferred tax liabilities (2016 – $7 million net deferred tax assets) related to items which were recorded in OCI. Of the total tax losses noted, the Company has not recognized €23 million (2016 – €23 million) in Belgium loss carryforwards and C $126 million (2016 – C $116 million) capital loss carryforwards and these unused tax loss carryforwards do not expire.

19

Exhibit 99.3


In addition, the Company has not recognized the following tax attributes with the expiry date, if applicable:
 
 
(US $ millions)
  
 
United States – State tax loss (2021–2037)(1)
  
$
303

United States – State tax credits (2019–2026)
  
60

(1) Aggregate loss from the states where Norbord's mills are located, excluding Texas.
The aggregate amount of temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries for which deferred tax liabilities have not been recognized as at December 31, 2017 is $869 million (December 31, 2016$698 million).
Income tax expense recognized in the statement of earnings comprises the following:

 
(US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

Current income tax expense
$
90

 
$
4

Deferred income tax (recovery) expense
(9
)
 
57

 
Income tax expense
$
81

 
$
61


As a result of the US Tax Reform bill enacted in December 2017, the Company recognized a net income tax recovery of $35 million due to the impact of the US federal tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% on the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities. The income tax expense is calculated as follows:

 
(US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

Earnings before income tax
$
517

 
$
244

Income tax expense at combined Canadian federal and provincial
statutory rate of 27% (2016 – 27%)
140

 
66

Effect of:
 
 
 
Change in tax rates and new legislation
(35
)
 

Rate differences on foreign activities
(12
)
 
(7
)
Recognition of the benefit of prior years’ tax losses and other deferred tax assets
(14
)
 
(2
)
Non-recognition of deferred tax assets relating to foreign exchange gain
1

 
2

Current income tax expense not previously recognized

 
2

Other
1

 

 
Income tax expense
$
81

 
$
61

Income tax (expense) recovery recognized in the statement of comprehensive income comprises the following:
 
 
(US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

Actuarial (loss) gain on post-employment obligation
$
(3
)
 
$
5

Tax

 

 
Net of tax
$
(3
)
 
$
5

Foreign currency translation gain (loss) on foreign operations
$
31

 
$
(44
)
Tax
(2
)
 
7

 
Net of tax
$
29

 
$
(37
)

20

Exhibit 99.3


NOTE 14. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Share Capital
  
 
2017
 
 
 
2016
 
 
  
Shares
(millions)

 
 
Amount
(US $ millions)

Shares
(millions)

 
Amount
(US $ millions)

Common shares outstanding, beginning of year
85.8

 
$
1,341

85.4

 
$
1,334

Issuance of common shares upon exercise of options and Dividend Reinvestment Plan
0.6

 
9

0.4

 
7

Common shares outstanding, end of year
86.4

 
$
1,350

85.8

 
$
1,341

As at December 31, 2017, the authorized capital stock of the Company is as follows: an unlimited number of Class A and Class B preferred shares, an unlimited number of non-voting participating shares and an unlimited number of common shares.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
During the year, less than $1 million of dividends was reinvested in common shares (2016 – less than $1 million).
Merger Reserve
On March 31, 2015, the Company and Ainsworth Lumber Co. Ltd. (Ainsworth) completed an arrangement under which the Company acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Ainsworth in an all-share transaction. The Company elected not to account for this transaction as a business combination under IFRS 3, Business Combinations, as the transaction represented a combination of entities under common control of Brookfield. Accordingly, the book values of the two entities were combined and no adjustments were made to reflect fair values or to recognize any new assets or liabilities of either entity.

The merger reserve represents the difference between the fair value of the Norbord common shares on the date of issuance and the book value of Ainsworth’s net assets exchanged.
Contributed Surplus
Contributed surplus at December 31, 2017 comprises amounts related to compensation expense on stock options issued under the Company’s stock option plan.
Share-based Payments
Stock Options
  
 
2017
 
 
 
2016
 
 
  
Options
(millions)

 
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
(C $)

Options
(millions)

 
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
(C $)

Balance, beginning of year
1.8

 
$
25.28

2.3

 
$
24.79

Options granted
0.2

 
34.96


 

Options exercised
(0.6
)
 
15.16

(0.4
)
 
14.93

Options expired

 

(0.1
)
 
111.30

Balance, end of year
1.4

 
$
27.23

1.8

 
$
25.28

Exercisable at year-end
0.8

 
$
25.03

1.2

 
$
25.18

Under the Company’s stock option plan, the Board of Directors may issue stock options to certain employees of the Company. These options vest over a five-year period and expire 10 years from the date of issue. During the year, 0.2 million stock options were granted (2016 – no stock options) and stock option expense of $1 million was recorded with a corresponding increase in contributed surplus (2016 – $1 million).

21

Exhibit 99.3


The table below outlines the significant assumptions used during the period to estimate the fair value of options granted:
 
 
2017

2016

Risk-free interest rate
1.1
%

Expected volatility
30
%

Dividend yield
1.1
%

Expected option life (years)
5


Share price (in Canadian dollars)

$37.72


Exercise price (in Canadian dollars)

$34.96


Weighted average fair value per option granted (in Canadian dollars)

$ 7.47


In 2017, 0.6 million common shares (2016 – 0.4 million common shares) were issued as a result of options exercised under the stock option plan for total cash proceeds of $7 million (2016 – $4 million) plus $2 million (2016 – $3 million) representing the vested fair value of the stock options. The weighted average share price on the date of exercise for 2017 was $41.89 (2016 – $31.71).
The following table summarizes the weighted average exercise prices and the weighted average remaining contractual life of the stock options outstanding at December 31, 2017:
 
  
  
 
Options Outstanding
 
 
Options Exercisable
 
Range of Exercise Prices (C $)
Options

Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(years)

 
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
(C $)

Options

 
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
(C $)

$6.50–$10.00
157,000

4.08

 
$
9.96

157,000

 
$
9.96

$10.01–$15.00
129,862

2.98

 
14.58

129,862

 
14.58

$15.01–$20.00
108,210

2.22

 
18.04

108,210

 
18.04

$20.01–$25.00
11,409

6.45

 
21.44

11,409

 
21.44

$25.01–$30.00
457,420

7.42

 
27.25

172,420

 
27.32

$30.01–$35.00
458,696

7.16

 
32.35

158,702

 
30.53

$60.90
90,630

0.10

 
60.90

90,630

 
60.90

 
1,413,227

6.00

 
$
27.23

828,233

 
$
25.03

Restricted and Deferred Stock Units
The Company has a Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) Plan for designated employees of the Company or its subsidiaries. An RSU is a unit equivalent in value to a common share. Units credited under this plan vest equally over three years. Vested amounts are paid in cash within 30 days of the vesting date. In addition, holders are credited with additional units as and when dividends are paid on the Company’s common shares.
The Company also has a Deferred Common Share Unit (DSU) Plan for senior management and Directors. A DSU is a unit equivalent in value to a common share. Following the participant’s termination of employment with the Company, the participant will be paid in cash the market value of the common shares represented by the DSUs. In addition, holders are credited with additional units as and when dividends are paid on the Company’s common shares.
As at December 31, 2017, the total liability outstanding related to these plans was $5 million (December 31, 2016$4 million), of which $3 million (December 31, 2016 – $3 million) is recorded in other liabilities and $2 million (December 31, 2016$1 million) is recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

22

Exhibit 99.3


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
(US $ millions)
Dec 31, 2017

 
Dec 31, 2016

Foreign currency translation loss on investment in foreign operations, net of tax of $(5) (December 31, 2016 – $(3))
$
(138
)
 
$
(167
)
Net loss on hedge of net investment in foreign operations, net of tax of $3
(December 31, 2016 – $3)
(8
)
 
(8
)
Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension obligation, net of tax of $9
(December 31, 2016 – $9)
(30
)
 
(27
)
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
$
(176
)
 
$
(202
)
Amendment to Warrant Indenture
On March 25, 2013, the Company amended certain terms of its Warrant Indenture dated December 24, 2008 by executing a Supplemental Warrant Indenture to include a cashless exercise feature. This feature allowed warrant holders to elect to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis, and receive common shares based on the in-the-money value of their warrants. The warrants expired on December 24, 2013. In 2013, a total of 134.4 million warrants were exercised on a cashless basis resulting in the issuance of 8.4 million common shares. As required under IFRS, for the year ended December 31, 2013, the cashless exercise of the warrants resulted in:
an increase in share capital of $298 million, representing the fair value on the date of exercise of the common shares issued in exchange for the in-the-money value of the warrants;
a decrease in contributed surplus of $35 million, representing the book value of the warrants recorded at the time of their issuance; and
a decrease in retained earnings of $263 million, reflecting the difference between these two amounts.
NOTE 15. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
(US $ millions, except share and per share information, unless otherwise noted)
2017

 
2016

Earnings available to common shareholders
$
436

 
$
183

Common shares (millions):
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
86.2

 
85.6

Dilutive stock options(1)
0.4

 
0.5

Diluted number of common shares
86.6

 
86.1

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
5.06

 
$
2.14

Diluted
5.03

 
2.13

(1)Applicable if dilutive and when the weighted average daily closing share price for the year was greater than the exercise price for stock options. At year-end, there were 0.1 million stock options (December 31, 20160.5 million) that were not taken into account in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effect was anti-dilutive.

23

Exhibit 99.3


NOTE 16. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Other items comprise:
(US $ millions)
Note
2017

 
2016

Stock-based compensation
 
$
4

 
$
2

Pension funding greater than expense
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Cash interest paid greater than interest expense
 
(6
)
 

Amortization of debt issue costs
12
2

 
2

Unrealized (gain) loss on outstanding forwards
18
(1
)
 
1

Unrealized foreign exchange gain on translation of monetary balances
 
(4
)
 
(1
)
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on translation of tax balances
 
(1
)
 

Other
 
1

 
(3
)
 
 
$
(8
)
 
$
(2
)
The net change in non-cash operating working capital balance comprises:
(US $ millions)
 
 
2017

 
 
2016

Cash (used for) provided by:
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
$
(33
)
 
$
(20
)
Prepaids
 
(1
)
 

Inventory
 
(37
)
 
(10
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
53

 
25

 
 
$
(18
)
 
$
(5
)
 
Cash interest and income taxes comprise:
 
 
 
 
(US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

Cash income taxes paid, net
 
$
2

 
$
2

The net change in financial liabilities comprises:
(US $ millions)
2017

 
2016

Long-term debt
$
(198
)
 
$

Other long-term debt

 
(30
)
Accrued interest on long-term debt
(6
)
 
2

Net decrease in financial liabilities

$
(204
)
 
$
(28
)

Cash and non-cash movements in financial liabilities comprise:
(US $ millions)
2017

 
2016

Cash movements:
 
 
 
  Repayment of debt
$
(200
)
 
$

  Interest paid
(42
)
 
(50
)
  A/R securitization repayments

 
(30
)
 
(242
)
 
(80
)
Non-cash movements:
 
 
 
  Amortization of debt issue costs
2

 
2

  Interest expense
36

 
50

 
38

 
52

Net decrease in financial liabilities

$
(204
)
 
$
(28
)

24

Exhibit 99.3


NOTE 17. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
The capital of the Company consists of the components of equity and debt obligations. Norbord monitors its capital structure using two key measures of its relative debt position. While the Company considers both book and market basis metrics, it believes the market basis to be superior to the book basis in measuring the true strength and flexibility of its balance sheet. The two key measures used are defined as follows:
Net debt to capitalization, book basis, is net debt divided by the sum of net debt and tangible net worth. Net debt consists of the principal value of long-term debt, including the current portion and bank advances (if any) less cash and cash equivalents. Consistent with the treatment under the Company’s financial covenants, letters of credit are included in net debt. Tangible net worth consists of shareholders’ equity, less certain adjustments.
Net debt to capitalization, market basis, is net debt divided by the sum of net debt and market capitalization. Net debt is calculated, as outlined above, under net debt to capitalization, book basis. Market capitalization is the number of common shares outstanding at year-end multiplied by the trailing 12-month average per share market price. Market basis capitalization is intended to correct for the low historical book value of Norbord’s asset base relative to its fair value.
NOTE 18. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Norbord has exposure to market, commodity price, interest rate, currency, counterparty credit and liquidity risks. Norbord’s primary risk management objective is to protect the Company’s balance sheet, earnings and cash flow.
Norbord’s financial risk management activities are governed by Board-approved financial policies that cover risk identification, tolerance, measurement, hedging limits, hedging products, authorization levels and reporting. Derivative contracts that are deemed to be highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value, net investment or cash flows of hedged items are designated as hedges of specific exposures. Gains and losses on these instruments are recognized in the same manner as the item being hedged. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is measured and included in current period earnings.
Market Risk
Norbord purchases commodity inputs, issues debt at fixed and floating interest rates, invests surplus cash, sells product, purchases inputs in foreign currencies and invests in foreign operations. These activities expose the Company to market risk from changes in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates, which affects the Company’s balance sheet, earnings and cash flows. The Company periodically uses derivatives as part of its overall financial risk management policy to manage certain exposures to market risk that result from these activities.
Commodity Price Risk
Norbord is exposed to commodity price risk on most of its manufacturing inputs, which principally comprise wood fibre, resin and energy. These manufacturing inputs are purchased primarily on the open market in competition with other users of such resources, and prices are influenced by factors beyond Norbord’s control.
Norbord monitors market developments in all commodity prices to which it is materially exposed. No liquid futures markets exist for the majority of Norbord’s commodity inputs, but, where possible, Norbord will hedge a portion of its commodity price exposure up to Board-approved limits in order to reduce the potential negative impact of rising commodity input prices. Should Norbord decide to hedge any of this exposure, it will lock in prices directly with its suppliers or, if unfeasible, purchase financial hedges where liquid markets exist.
At December 31, 2017, Norbord has economically hedged approximately 6% of its 2018 expected natural gas consumption by locking in the price directly with its suppliers. Approximately 62% of Norbord’s forecasted electricity consumption is purchased in regulated markets, and Norbord has hedged approximately 43% of its 2018 deregulated electricity consumption. While these contracts are derivatives, they are exempt from being accounted for as financial instruments as they are considered normal purchases for the purpose of consumption.
Interest Rate Risk
Norbord’s financing strategy is to access public and private capital markets to raise long-term core financing, and to utilize the banking market to provide committed standby credit facilities supporting its short-term cash flow needs. The Company has fixed-rate debt, which subjects it to interest rate price risk, and has floating-rate debt, which subjects it to interest rate cash flow risk. In addition, the Company invests surplus cash in bank deposits and short-term money market securities.

25

Exhibit 99.3


Currency Risk
Norbord’s primary foreign exchange exposure arises from the following sources:
net investments in foreign operations, limited to Norbord's investment in its European operations which transact in both Pounds Sterling and Euros;
Canadian dollar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities; and
committed or anticipated foreign currency-denominated transactions, primarily Canadian dollar costs in Norbord's Canadian operations and Euro revenues in Norbord's UK operations.
Under the Company’s risk management policy, the Company may hedge up to 100% of its significant balance sheet foreign exchange exposures by entering into cross-currency swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts. The Company may also hedge a portion of future foreign currency-denominated cash flows, using forward foreign exchange contracts or options for periods of up to three years, in order to reduce the potential negative effect of a strengthening Canadian dollar versus the US dollar, or a weakening Euro versus the Pound Sterling.
Counterparty Credit Risk
Norbord invests surplus cash in bank deposits and short-term money market securities, sells its product to customers on standard market credit terms and uses derivatives to manage its market risk exposures. These activities expose the Company to counterparty credit risk that would result if the counterparty failed to meet its obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions of its contracts with the Company.
Norbord operates in a cyclical commodity business. Accounts receivable credit risk is mitigated through established credit management techniques, including conducting financial and other assessments to establish and monitor a customer’s creditworthiness, setting customer limits, monitoring exposures against these limits and, in some instances, purchasing credit insurance or obtaining trade letters of credit. At year-end, the key performance metrics on the Company’s accounts receivable are in line with prior years. As at December 31, 2017, the provision for doubtful accounts was less than $1 million (December 31, 2016 – less than $1 million). In 2017, Norbord had one customer whose purchases represented greater than 10% of total sales.
Under an accounts receivable securitization program (note 3), Norbord has transferred substantially all of its present and future trade accounts receivable to a third-party trust, sponsored by a highly rated Canadian financial institution, on a fully serviced basis, for proceeds consisting of cash and deferred purchase price. At December 31, 2017, Norbord had no drawings (December 31, 2016no drawings) relating to this program. The fair value of the deferred purchase price approximates its carrying value as a result of the short accounts receivable collection cycle and negligible historical credit losses.
Surplus cash is only invested with counterparties meeting minimum credit quality requirements and issuer and concentration limits. Derivative transactions are executed only with approved high-quality counterparties under master netting agreements. The Company monitors and manages its concentration of counterparty credit risk on an ongoing basis.
The Company’s maximum counterparty credit exposure at year-end consisted of the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable, which approximate fair value, and the fair value of derivative financial assets.
Liquidity Risk
Norbord strives to maintain sufficient financial liquidity at all times in order to participate in investment opportunities as they arise, as well as to withstand sudden adverse changes in economic circumstances. Management forecasts cash flows for its current and subsequent fiscal years in order to identify financing requirements. These requirements are then addressed through a combination of committed credit facilities and access to capital markets.
At December 31, 2017, Norbord had $241 million in cash and cash equivalents, $125 million undrawn under its accounts receivable securitization program and $226 million in unutilized committed revolving bank lines.

26

Exhibit 99.3


Financial Liabilities
The following table summarizes the aggregate amount of contractual future cash outflows for the Company’s financial liabilities:
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
Payments Due by Year
 
 
(US $ millions)
 
2018

 
2019

 
2020

 
2021

 
2022

 
 
Thereafter
 

 
Total
 

Principal
$

 
$

 
$
240

 
$

 
$

 
$
315

 
$
555

Interest
33

 
33

 
33

 
19

 
19

 
10

 
147

Long-term debt, including interest
$
33

 
$
33

 
$
273

 
$
19

 
$
19

 
$
325

 
$
702

Note: The above table does not include pension and post-employment benefit plan obligations.
Non-Derivative Financial Instruments
The net book values and fair values of non-derivative financial instruments were as follows:
  
  
Dec 31, 2017
 
 
Dec 31, 2016
 
(US $ millions)
 
Financial Instrument Category
 
 
Net Book
Value
 

 
Fair
Value
 

 
Net Book
Value
 

 
Fair
Value
 

Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
Fair value through profit or loss
$
241

 
$
241

 
$
161

 
$
161

Accounts receivable
Loans and receivables
174

 
174

 
141

 
141

Other assets
Loans and receivables
2

 
2

 

 

 
 
$
417

 
$
417

 
$
302

 
$
302

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Other financial liabilities
$
282

 
$
282

 
$
218

 
$
218

Long-term debt(1)
Other financial liabilities
555

 
597

 
755

 
777

Other liabilities
Other financial liabilities
29

 
29

 
27

 
27

 
 
$
866

 
$
908

 
$
1,000

 
$
1,022

(1) Principal value of long-term debt excluding debt issue costs of $7 million (2016 – $9 million) (note 8).
Derivative Financial Instruments
Canadian Dollar Monetary Hedge
At December 31, 2017, the Company had foreign currency forward contracts representing a notional amount of C $41 million (December 31, 2016 – C $49 million) in place to sell US dollars and buy Canadian dollars with maturities in January 2018. The fair value of these contracts at year-end is an unrealized gain of $1 million (December 31, 2016 – an unrealized loss of less than $1 million); the carrying value of the derivative instrument is equivalent to the unrealized gain at year-end. In 2017, realized gains on the Company’s matured hedges were $4 million (2016 – less than $1 million). A 1- cent change in the exchange rate would result in a less than $1 million impact.

Euro Cash Flow Hedge
At year-end, the Company had foreign currency options representing a notional amount of €60 million (December 31, 2016 – $nil) in place to buy Pounds Sterling and sell Euros with maturities between January 2018 and December 2018. The fair value of these contracts at year-end is an unrealized gain of less than $1 million (December 31, 2016 – $nil). A 1- cent change in the exchange rate would result in a less than $1 million impact.
Derivative instruments are measured at fair value as determined using valuation techniques under Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of over-the-counter derivative financial instruments are based on broker quotes or observable market rates. Those quotes are tested for reasonableness by discounting expected future cash flows using market interest and exchange rates for a similar instrument at the measurement date. Fair values reflect the credit risk of the instrument for the Company and counterparty when appropriate. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments are offset by realized and unrealized losses and gains on the underlying exposures being hedged.

27

Exhibit 99.3


NOTE 19. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company has provided certain guarantees, commitments and indemnifications, including those related to former businesses. The maximum amounts from many of these items cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. However, in certain circumstances, the Company has recourse against other parties to mitigate the risk of loss. In the normal course of its business activities, the Company is subject to claims and legal actions that may be made against its customers, suppliers and others. While the final outcome with respect to actions outstanding or pending as at period-end cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes the resolution will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, financial performance, or cash flows.
The Company has entered into various commitments as follows:
 
  
 
Payments Due by Period
 
 
(US $ millions)
 
 
Less than 1 Year
 

 
        1–5 Years
 

 
    Thereafter
 

 
            Total
 

Purchase commitments
$
100

 
$
97

 
$
5

 
$
202

Operating leases
5

 
10

 
2

 
17

Reforestation obligations
2

 

 
1

 
3

 
$
107

 
$
107

 
$
8

 
$
222

Purchase commitments relate to the purchase of property, plant and equipment and long-term purchase contracts with minimum fixed payment amounts.
NOTE 20. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In the normal course of operations, Norbord enters into various transactions with related parties which have been measured at exchange value and recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The following transactions have occurred between Norbord and its related parties during the normal course of business.
Brookfield
As at December 31, 2017, total future costs related to a 1999 asset purchase agreement between the Company and Brookfield, for which Norbord provided an indemnity, are estimated at less than $1 million and are included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
Norbord periodically engages the services of Brookfield for various financial, real estate and other business services. In 2017, the fees for services rendered were less than $1 million (2016 – less than $1 million).
On August 2, 2017, Brookfield and the Company entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters to complete a bought deal secondary offering of Norbord’s common shares (the Offering). Under the Offering, the syndicate agreed to purchase 3.6 million common shares from Brookfield at a purchase price of C $42.35 per common share. On August 9, 2017, upon the completion of the Offering, Brookfield owned, directly and indirectly, approximately 49% of Norbord common shares. Norbord did not receive any proceeds from the Offering.
On October 13, 2017, Brookfield completed a distribution (the Distribution) of an aggregate of 7.1 million common shares of Norbord to investors in certain of its funds. Upon completion of the Distribution, Brookfield owned and controlled approximately 40% of Norbord's common shares.
Other
Sales to Asian markets are handled by Interex Forest Products Ltd. (Interex), a cooperative sales company over which Norbord, as a 25% shareholder, has significant influence. In 2017, net sales of $78 million (2016 – $62 million) were made to Interex. At year-end, $3 million (December 31, 2016$2 million) due from Interex was included in accounts receivable. At year-end, the investment in Interex was less than $1 million (December 31, 2016 – less than $1 million).

28

Exhibit 99.3


Compensation of Key Management Personnel
The remuneration of Directors and other key management personnel was as follows:
(US $ millions)
 
2017

 
2016

Salaries, incentives and short-term benefits
$
4

 
$
3

Share-based awards
1

 
1

 
$
5

 
$
4

NOTE 21. GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENTS
The Company operates principally in North America and Europe. Sales by geographic segment are determined based on the origin of shipment.
 
Note
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 

(US $ millions)
 
 
North America
 

 
Europe
 

 
  Unallocated
 

 
 
Total
 

Sales
 
$
1,747

 
$
430

 
$

 
$
2,177

EBITDA(1)
 
627

 
39

 
(10
)
 
656

Depreciation and amortization
5, 6
94

 
13

 

 
107

Additions to property, plant and equipment
5
142

 
111

 

 
253

Property, plant and equipment
5
1,168

 
253

 

 
1,421

  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
2016
 

(US $ millions)
 
 
North America
 

 
Europe
 

 
  Unallocated
 

 
 
Total
 

Sales
 
$
1,361

 
$
405

 
$

 
$
1,766

EBITDA(1)
 
363

 
41

 
(14
)
 
390

Depreciation and amortization
5, 6
80

 
14

 

 
94

Additions to property, plant and equipment
5
60

 
41

 

 
101

Property, plant and equipment
5
1,126

 
136

 

 
1,262

 (1) EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure, which the Company uses to assess segment performance and operating results. The Company defines EBITDA as earnings before finance costs, income tax, depreciation and amortization. Non-IFRS financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
NOTE 22. ASSET EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
On October 28, 2016, the Company reached an agreement with Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LP) to exchange OSB mills in the province of Quebec (the Asset Exchange) for no cash consideration. The Asset Exchange closed on November 3, 2016, with the Company swapping ownership of its mill in Val-d’Or for LP’s mill in Chambord. The Asset Exchange resulted in the following net changes to the Company’s 2016 financial results and position:
 
(US $ millions)
 
 
Note
 
2016

Consolidated Statement of Earnings
 
 
Gain on asset exchange
 
$
16

Income tax expense
 
(4
)
Gain on asset exchange, net
 
$
12

Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
 
Cash
 
$
7

Property, plant and equipment
5
11

Other liabilities
9
(2
)
Deferred income tax liabilities
 
(4
)
Increase in net assets
 
$
12

As part of the Asset Exchange, the Company received $7 million cash relating to the removal of a restrictive land-use covenant in 2016.

29
EX-99.4 5 a2017q4osb-ex994.htm EXHIBIT 99.4 Exhibit


Exhibit 99.4

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14 OR 15d-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Peter C. Wijnbergen, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 40-F of Norbord Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the Audit Committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Dated: February 2, 2018
/s/ Peter Wijnbergen
Peter C. Wijnbergen
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)


EX-99.5 6 a2017q4osb-ex995.htm EXHIBIT 99.5 Exhibit


Exhibit 99.5
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14 OR 15d-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Robin E. Lampard, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 40-F of Norbord Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the Audit Committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Dated: February 2, 2018
/s/ Robin Lampard
Robin E. Lampard
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)


EX-99.6 7 a2017q4osb-ex996.htm EXHIBIT 99.6 Exhibit


Exhibit 99.6

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Norbord Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Peter C. Wijnbergen, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:
 
1.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
 
By:
/s/ Peter Wijnbergen
 
Peter C. Wijnbergen
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
February 2, 2018


EX-99.7 8 a2017q4osb-ex997.htm EXHIBIT 99.7 Exhibit


Exhibit 99.7

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Norbord Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Robin E. Lampard, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:
 
1.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
 
By:
/s/ Robin Lampard
 
Robin E. Lampard
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
February 2, 2018


EX-99.8 9 a2017q4osb-ex998.htm EXHIBIT 99.8 Exhibit


Exhibit 99.8
kpmg1.jpg
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors of Norbord Inc.

We consent to the inclusion in this annual report on Form 40-F:
our Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm dated February 1, 2018 addressed to the shareholders and directors of Norbord Inc. (the “Company”), on the consolidated financial statements comprising the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes, comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information; and
our Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm dated February 1, 2018 on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,
each of which is contained in this annual report on Form 40-F of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.
We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form F-3 (No. 333-220258), on Form F-10 (No. 333-215266), on Form S-8 (No. 333-211895) and on Form S-8 (No. 333-213179) of our reports to the shareholders’ and directors of the Company dated February 1, 2018 referred to above.

/s/ KPMG LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants

February 2, 2018
Toronto, Canada



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