Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K


              [x] Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                       the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 For the fiscal year ended                       Commission File Number
     December 31, 1998                                   1-7107
                           LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION
              (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
         DELAWARE                                           93-0609074
 (State of Incorporation)                                (I.R.S. Employer
                                                       Identification No.)
   111 S.W. Fifth Avenue
  Portland, Oregon 97204                          Registrant's telephone number
   (Address of principal                              (including area code)
    executive offices)                                     503-221-0800
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
                                                       Name of each exchange on
        Title of each class                                which registered

    Common Stock, $1 par value                         New York Stock Exchange
  Preferred Stock Purchase Rights                      New York Stock Exchange

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of
1934  during  the  preceding  12 months  (or for such  shorter  period  that the
registrant was required to file such reports),  and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes -X- No ---

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent  filers  pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained  herein,  and will not be contained,
to the best of  registrant's  knowledge,  in  definitive  proxy  or  information
statements  incorporated  by  reference  in Part  III of this  Form  10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]

         State  the  aggregate   market  value  of  the  voting  stock  held  by
nonaffiliates of the registrant: 1,947,161,485 as of March 12, 1999.

         Indicate the number of shares  outstanding of each of the  registrant's
classes of common stock:  107,308,727 of Common Stock, $1 par value, outstanding
as of March 12, 1999.

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Definitive Proxy Statement for 1999 Annual Meeting:  Part III

                                      -1-



         Except  as  otherwise   specified  and  unless  the  context  otherwise
         requires,  references to "L-P" refer to  Louisiana-Pacific  Corporation
         and its subsidiaries.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
- ----------------------------------------------------

         Statements  in this report,  to the extent that they  describe  matters
that are not  historical  facts,  may  constitute  forward  looking  statements.
Forward looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the
outlook  for future  operations,  forecasts  of future  costs and  expenditures,
evaluation of market conditions, the outcome of legal proceedings,  the adequacy
of reserves,  plans for product  development,  and assessment of L-P's Year 2000
compliance  efforts and risks.  Investors  are  cautioned  that forward  looking
statements  are subject to an  inherent  risk that actual  results,  events,  or
circumstances may differ materially from those reflected in such forward looking
statements.  Risks  and  uncertainties  that may  result  in such  variance,  in
addition to those specifically  identified in the text accompanying such forward
looking  statements,  include changes in interest rates,  commodity prices,  and
other economic conditions;  actions by competitors;  changing weather conditions
and other natural phenomena;  actions by government  authorities;  uncertainties
associated with legal proceedings;  technological developments; risks associated
with  acquiring new  businesses;  future  decisions by management in response to
changing conditions;  and the possible invalidity of the beliefs and assumptions
underlying such forward looking statements.

                                     PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

GENERAL
- -------

         L-P is a major  building  products  firm,  operating  approximately  75
facilities in the United States,  Canada, and Ireland.  L-P's principal products
are oriented strand board ("OSB"),  plywood,  lumber,  engineered wood products,
exterior siding,  industrial panel products,  specialty products and pulp. L-P's
products  are  used  primarily  in  the  construction,  repair,  remodeling  and
manufacturing  of traditional  and  manufactured  housing.  L-P  distributes its
building products primarily through  third-party  distributors and home centers.
For certain reporting  purposes,  its business units have been divided into five
business   segments  based  on  the  similarity  of  economic   characteristics,
customers,  distribution  methods and manufacturing  processes.  These segments,
which are discussed in greater detail below, are structural  products,  exterior
products, industrial panel products, specialty and other products, and pulp.

         L-P was organized as a Delaware  corporation in 1972.  L-P's  executive
offices are located at 111 S.W. Fifth Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97204.

ACQUISITION OF ABT BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION

         On January  25,  1999,  L-P  commenced a tender  offer to purchase  all
outstanding  shares of ABT  Building  Products  Corporation  ("ABT") for $15 per
share.  On  February  25,  1999,  L-P and ABT merged  following  the  successful
completion of the tender offer. L-P acquired  approximately  10.7 million shares
of ABT for cash proceeds of approximately  $160 million and also assumed certain
indebtedness  and other  liabilities of ABT. ABT is the largest  manufacturer of
exterior hardboard siding in the United States and is a leading  manufacturer of
plastic resin  specialty  building  products.  In addition to hardboard  siding,
ABT's products include exterior vinyl

                                      -2-


siding and trim,  interior  hardboard items such as paneling and tileboard,  and
decorative  prefinished  mouldings and shutters.  Except as otherwise noted, the
description  of L-P's  business  which  follows  does not give  effect  to L-P's
acquisition of ABT.

1998 DIVESTITURES
- -----------------

         During 1998, L-P continued its transition  from a forest products focus
to a building  products focus through the  divestiture  of certain  nonstrategic
assets.  The  most  significant  of  these  divestitures  was  the  sale  of its
California  redwood  timberlands and associated  sawmill and  manufacturing  and
distribution  operations  on June 30, 1998.  The sale included more than 300,000
acres of timberland,  three operating sawmills,  two distribution  centers,  and
certain other operations.

         Other sales completed during 1998 included L-P's  Weather-Seal  windows
and doors business and its Creative Point subsidiary. L-P also closed its cement
fiber roof shake  plant in 1998 and  announced  its  intention  to sell  certain
sawmill and treating plant properties, primarily in the South.

STRUCTURAL PRODUCTS
- -------------------

         STRUCTURAL PANEL PRODUCTS. L-P's structural panel products, plywood and
OSB, are used in structural applications in new construction and remodeling such
as  subfloors,  walls,  and  roofs.  Structural  panel  products  accounted  for
approximately 36% of L-P's net sales in 1998.

         The total structural panel market in North America  (plywood,  OSB, and
other  reconstituted  panel  products) is  approximately  37 billion square feet
annually,  of which plywood currently  constitutes about 20 billion square feet.
In  recent  years,  land  use  regulations  and  endangered  species  and  other
environmental  concerns have  resulted in reduced  supplies and higher costs for
domestic  timber,  causing many  plywood  mills to close  permanently.  The lost
volume from those closed  mills has been  replaced  primarily  by  reconstituted
panel products.

         L-P is the  largest  North  American  producer  of OSB  panel  products
through 12 plants with a combined annual capacity of  approximately  4.5 billion
square feet.  In addition,  L-P has five plywood  plants in the Southern  United
States with a combined annual capacity of approximately 1.2 billion square feet.

         LUMBER.  L-P  produces  lumber,  including a variety of  standard  U.S.
dimension  lumber as well as specialty  grades and sizes.  Lumber  accounted for
approximately 14% of L-P's net sales in 1998.

         L-P has 8 sawmills  (whitewood and redwood) in the continental  Western
United States with a combined annual  production  capacity of approximately  695
million board feet, and 9 sawmills  (pine and hardwoods) in the Southern  United
States with a combined annual  production  capacity of approximately 325 million
board feet.  Two  sawmills in Alaska are included in L-P's  specialty  and other
products  segment.  In September 1998, L-P announced plans to expand and upgrade
several of its sawmills  with a goal of  increasing  lumber  production at these
facilities by approximately 460 million board feet annually.

         ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS.  L-P  manufactures  engineered wood products,
including I-joists and laminated veneer lumber ("LVL").  L-P's veneer operations

                                      -3-


are also  included in this  segment.  Engineered  wood  products  accounted  for
approximately 9% of L-P's net sales in 1998.

         L-P's engineered I-joists,  which are primarily used to support floors,
roofs,  and  other  structures,   are  stronger,  lighter  and  straighter  than
conventional  lumber  joists  and use OSB as a major  component.  L-P's LVL is a
high-grade  structural product used where extra strength is required. It is also
used as a component in the manufacture of engineered I-joists.

         In February  1999,  L-P announced  plans to relocate its Nevada I-joist
and LVL operations to its Oregon and North  Carolina  plants to reduce costs and
with the goal of  substantially  increasing the overall  production  capacity of
these plants over the next two years.

EXTERIOR PRODUCTS
- -----------------

         L-P has three plants that manufacture exterior siding,  facia, trim and
soffit  using  an OSB  substrate.  These  plants  have  an  annual  capacity  of
approximately  400 million  square feet. The exterior  products  plants are also
capable of producing commodity OSB panels and do so from time to time, depending
on market  conditions.  Exterior product sales  represented  approximately 5% of
L-P's net sales in 1998.

INDUSTRIAL PANEL PRODUCTS
- -------------------------

         L-P also produces industrial panel products,  including  particleboard,
medium density fiberboard and hard board, at seven plants. These products, which
are used primarily in the  manufacture of furniture and cabinets,  accounted for
approximately 8% of L-P's net sales in 1998.

SPECIALTY AND OTHER PRODUCTS
- ----------------------------

         L-P manufactures a variety of value-added  specialty  building products
that  complement  its core  building  products.  Specialty  and  other  products
accounted for approximately 24% of L-P's net sales in 1998.

         L-P's  specialty  and  other  products   segment   includes   cellulose
insulation,  coatings and chemicals, L-P's Alaska lumber and logging operations,
its OSB plant in Ireland,  and its wholesale  and  distribution  business.  This
segment also  included  L-P's  Weather-Seal  windows and doors  business and its
Creative Point subsidiary, which were sold during 1998.

PULP
- ----

         L-P has two pulp mills  located  in Samoa,  California,  and  Chetwynd,
British  Columbia,  Canada.  L-P has announced its intention to sell both mills.
Pulp accounted for approximately 3% of L-P's net sales in 1998.

EMPLOYEES
- ---------

         L-P had  approximately  10,000  employees  at December  31,  1998.  L-P
believes that its relations with its employees are good.

                                      -4-


COMPETITION
- -----------

         The  building  products  industry is highly  competitive.  L-P competes
internationally  with  several  thousand  forest and  building  products  firms,
ranging  from very  large,  fully  integrated  firms to  smaller  firms that may
manufacture only one or a few items.  L-P estimates that  approximately 25 firms
comprise its major competition.  L-P also competes less directly with firms that
manufacture  substitutes  for wood  building  products.  Some  competitors  have
substantially  greater  financial and other  resources  than L-P which,  in some
instances, could give them competitive advantages over L-P.

         Many of L-P's products,  including  structural  panels and lumber,  are
commodity  products  sold  primarily on the basis of price in  competition  with
numerous other forest and building products companies.  Consequently, the prices
that L-P can obtain for its  commodity  products  may  fluctuate  unpredictably,
which may have a material effect on L-P's operating results.

         In  recent   years,   L-P  has   introduced   a  number  of   specialty
value-enhanced products in response to customer input.

RAW MATERIALS
- -------------

         The principal raw materials used in L-P's business are logs,  which are
generally   available  from  numerous  sources.   See  "Additional   Statistical
Information"  below and Item 2,  Properties,  for  information  regarding  L-P's
sources of logs.  Because  various  factors,  including land use regulations and
environmental and endangered species concerns, have limited the amount of timber
offered for sale by certain  United States  government  agencies,  L-P must rely
more heavily on the acquisition of timber from other sources (including domestic
private timber owners) to supply its manufacturing facilities.  The reduction in
domestic  timber supplies has resulted in upward pressure on the prices that L-P
must pay for timber.  In addition,  logs are subject to commodity  pricing which
fluctuates on the basis of market factors over which L-P has no control.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
- ------------------------

         L-P is subject to federal, state, and local environmental and pollution
control  laws  and  regulations  at all  locations  at  which  it has  operating
facilities,   and  maintains  an  accounting   reserve  for  environmental  loss
contingencies. L-P's policy is to comply fully with all applicable environmental
laws and regulations.  In recent years, L-P has devoted increasing financial and
management resources to achieving this goal. In addition, from time to time, L-P
undertakes  construction projects for environmental control facilities or incurs
other   environmental   costs  that  extend  an  asset's  useful  life,  improve
efficiency, or improve the marketability of certain properties.

         Additional information concerning environmental compliance is set forth
under  Item 3,  Legal  Proceedings,  and in  Note 8 of the  Notes  to  Financial
Statements in Item 8.

ADDITIONAL STATISTICAL INFORMATION
- ----------------------------------

         Additional   statistical   information   regarding  L-P's  business  is
presented  in the  following  tables.  Additional  financial  information  about
industry  segments is presented in Note 10 of the Notes to Financial  Statements
in Item 8.

                                      -5-



Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and Subsidiaries


Product Information Summary

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
dollar amounts in millions
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
year ended December 31                                               1998             1997            1996         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SEGMENTS (1)
Sales:
                                                                                      
Structural products                                            $1,374  60%     $1,294   54%    $1,408   57%
Exterior products                                                 107   5         103    4         99    4
Industrial panel products                                         175   8         181    8        195    8
Specialty and other products                                      566  24         685   29        607   24
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Building products                                               2,222  97       2,273   95      2,309   93         
Pulp                                                               75   3         130    5        177    7         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total sales                                                    $2,297 100%     $2,403  100%    $2,486  100%        
===================================================================================================================
Export sales (included above)                                  $  128   6%     $  240   10%    $  268   11%        
===================================================================================================================

Profit (loss):
Structural products                                            $  199          $   22          $  135              
Exterior products                                                  22               9              17              
Industrial panel products                                           6              13              31              
Specialty and other products                                      (20)            (24)             (9)             
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Building products                                                 207              20             174              
Pulp                                                              (38)            (29)            (91)
Unusual credits and charges, net                                  (48)            (32)           (350)             
General corporate and other expense, net                          (94)            (80)            (52)             
Interest, net                                                     (13)            (29)             (8)             
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) before taxes,
    minority interest and accounting changes                   $   14          $ (150)         $ (327)             
===================================================================================================================
- ------------------------------- 1995 1994 - ------------------------------- - ------------------------------- $2,509 88% $2,820 93% 334 12 220 7 - ------------------------------- $2,843 100% $3,040 100% =============================== $ 457 16% $ 371 12% =============================== - ------------------------------- $ 346 $ 636 44 (5) (367) - (121) (72) 3 1 - ------------------------------- $ (95) $ 560 =============================== -6- SUMMARY OF PRODUCTION VOLUMES 1998 1997 1996 1995 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OSB, million square feet 3/8" basis 4,317 4,000 4,008 3,445 Softwood plywood, million square feet 3/8" basis 983 1,221 1,613 1,466 Lumber, million board feet 1,110 1,240 1,201 1,359 Industrial panel products (particleboard, medium density fiberboard and hardboard), million square feet 3/4" basis 575 589 580 582 Engineered I-Joists, million lineal feet 86 73 55 44 Laminated veneer lumber, thousand cubic feet 7,100 5,800 3,900 3,200 Pulp, thousand short tons 286 377 439 486 INDUSTRY PRODUCT PRICE TRENDS (2) OSB, MSF, 7/16" 24/16 span rating (North Central price) $ 205 $ 142 $ 184 $ 245 Southern pine plywood, MSF, 1/2" CDX (3 ply) 284 265 258 303 Framing lumber, composite prices, MBF 349 417 398 337 Industrial particleboard, 3/4" basis, MSF 259 262 276 290 LOGS BY SOURCE (3) Fee owned lands 12% 19% 16% 13% Private cutting contracts 14 14 14 12 Government contracts 13 6 9 8 Purchased logs 61 60 64 66 Total log volume - million board feet 1,997 2,398 2,432 2,818 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994 3,404 1,604 1,986 641 50 3,500 441 $ 265 302 405 295 11% 14 10 67 3,138 - ---------- 1 Segment information on a basis consistent with 1998, 1997 and 1996 is not readily available for 1995 and 1994. 2 Prices represent yearly averages stated in dollars per thousand board feet (MBF), thousand square feet (MSF) or short ton. Source: Random Lengths. 3 Stated as a percent of total log volume. -7- ITEM 2. PROPERTIES Information regarding L-P's principal properties and facilities is set forth in the following tables. The tables do not include facilities which L-P expects to sell or close in early 1999. Information regarding production capacities is based on normal operating rates and normal production mixes under current market conditions, taking into account known constraints such as log supply. Market conditions, fluctuations in log supply, and the nature of current orders may cause actual production rates and mixes to vary significantly from the production rates and mixes shown. SAWMILLS -------- CUBIC METERS BOARD FEET FACILITIES (THOUSANDS) (MILLIONS) - ---------- ----------- ---------- WESTERN LUMBER (10 plants; 2 shifts per day except as noted; 5 days per week) Annette, AK 110 70 Belgrade, MT 150 90 Chilco, ID 205 125 Deer Lodge, MT (3 shifts) 155 110 Deer Lodge, MT (fingerjoint) 130 125 Ketchikan, AK 100 60 Moyie Springs, ID (3 shifts) 220 135 Sandpoint, ID (remanufacturing) -- -- Saratoga, WY 80 50 Tacoma, WA 100 60 SOUTHERN LUMBER (9 plants; 1 shift per day; 5 days per week) Bernice, LA 65 40 Bon Wier, TX 40 25 Cleveland, TX 65 40 Evergreen, AL 70 45 Henderson, NC 65 40 Jasper, TX 90 55 Marianna, FL 50 30 New Waverly, TX 25 15 West Bay, FL 60 35 ---- ---- Total Lumber Capacity (19 plants) 1,780 1,150 ===== ===== PANEL PRODUCTS PLANTS CUBIC METERS SQUARE FEET FACILITIES (THOUSANDS) (MILLIONS) SOFTWOOD PLYWOOD PLANTS (3/8-INCH BASIS; 2 SHIFTS PER DAY, 5 DAYS PER WEEK) Bon Wier, TX 245 275 Cleveland, TX 245 275 Logansport, LA 200 225 New Waverly, TX 210 235 Urania, LA 195 200 ---- ---- Total Softwood Plywood Capacity (5 plants) 1,095 1,210 ===== ===== -8- CUBIC METERS SQUARE FEET FACILITIES (THOUSANDS) (MILLIONS) ORIENTED STRAND BOARD PANEL PLANTS (3/8-INCH BASIS; 3 SHIFTS PER DAY; 7 DAYS PER WEEK) Athens, GA 325 365 Carthage, TX 400 450 Dawson Creek, B.C. Canada 335 375 Hanceville, AL 325 365 Hayward, WI 445 500 Houlton, ME 230 260 Jasper, TX 400 450 Montrose, CO 130 145 Roxboro, NC 355 400 Sagola, MI 335 375 Silsbee, TX 325 365 Swan Valley, MB, Canada 400 450 Waterford, Ireland 400 450 ---- ---- Total OSB Capacity (13 plants) 4,405 4,950 ===== ===== ORIENTED STRAND BOARD SIDING PLANTS (3/8-INCH BASIS; 3 SHIFTS PER DAY; 7 DAYS PER WEEK) Newberry, MI 111 125 Tomahawk, WI 120 135 Two Harbors, MN 120 135 ---- ---- Total OSB Siding Capacity (3 plants) 351 395 ===== ===== MEDIUM DENSITY FIBERBOARD PLANTS (3/4-INCH BASIS; 3 SHIFTS PER DAY; 7 DAYS PER WEEK) Eufaula, AL 230 130 Oroville, CA 90 50 Urania, LA 90 50 ---- ---- Total MDF Capacity (3 plants) 410 230 ===== ===== PARTICLEBOARD PLANTS (3/4-INCH BASIS; 3 SHIFTS PER DAY; 7 DAYS PER WEEK) Arcata, CA 220 125 Missoula, MT 275 155 Silsbee, TX 140 80 ---- ---- Total Particleboard Capacity (3 plants) 635 360 ===== ===== HARDBOARD PLANT (1/8-INCH BASIS; 3 SHIFTS PER DAY; 7 DAYS PER WEEK) Oroville, CA 62 210 ===== =====
-9- OTHER BUILDING PRODUCTS PLANTS ------------------------------ SQUARE FEET FACILITIES (MILLIONS) - ---------- ---------- HARDWOOD VENEER PLANTS (SURFACE MEASURE; 2 SHIFTS PER DAY; 5 DAYS PER WEEK) Mellen, WI (2 plants) 250 === I-JOIST PLANTS LINEAL FEET (1 SHIFT PER DAY; 5 DAYS PER WEEK) (MILLIONS) ----------- Hines, OR 21 Red Bluff, CA 35 Wilmington, NC 25 ----- Total I-Joist Capacity (3 plants) 81 ===== LAMINATED VENEER LUMBER PLANTS THOUSAND (2 SHIFTS PER DAY, 7 DAYS PER WEEK) CUBIC FEET (MILLIONS) ---------- Hines, OR 3,700 Wilmington, NC 4,600 Total LVL Capacity (2 plants) 8,300 ===== PULP MILLS THOUSAND (3 SHIFTS PER DAY; 7 DAYS PER WEEK) CUBIC METERS SHORT TONS (THOUSANDS) (MILLIONS) ----------- ---------- Samoa, CA 195 220 Chetwynd, B.C. Canada 170 185 ------ ----- Total Pulp Capacity (2 plants) 365 405 ====== =====
-10- OTHER FACILITIES (19 FACILITIES) -------------------------------- Cellulose insulation plants: o Phoenix, AZ o Sacramento, CA o Atlanta, GA o Fort Wayne, IN o Norfolk, NE o Bucyrus, OH o Portland, OR o Elkwood, VA Chip mill: o Cleveland, TX Coatings and chemicals: o Portland, OR o Orangeburg, SC Softwood veneer plant: o Rogue River, OR Wood treating plants: o Evergreen, AL o Marianna, FL o Statesboro, GA o New Waverly, TX DISTRIBUTION CENTERS o Rocklin, CA o Salina, KS o Conroe, TX TIMBERLAND HOLDINGS ------------------- LOCATION/TYPE HECTARES ACRES - ------------- -------- ----- California: Whitewoods 1,300 3,300 Idaho: Fir, Pine 16,100 39,600 Louisiana: Pine, Hardwoods 78,900 194,900 Minnesota: Hardwoods 2,300 5,800 North Carolina: Pine, Hardwoods 900 2,100 Texas: Pine, Hardwoods 289,000 713,900 Virginia: Pine, Hardwoods 2,300 5,700 Wisconsin: Hardwoods 500 1,200 Wyoming: Whitewoods 500 1,400 ------- ------- Total Timberland Fee Holdings 391,800 967,900 ======= =======
-11- In addition to its fee-owned timberlands, L-P has timber cutting rights under long-term contracts (five years and over) on approximately 9,800 acres and under shorter-term contracts on approximately 189,800 acres, on government and privately owned timberlands in the United States in the vicinities of certain of its manufacturing facilities. L-P's Canadian subsidiary is a party to long-term pulpwood agreements and a timber license with the Canadian government. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Certain legal and environmental matters involving L-P are discussed below. Environmental Proceedings In March 1995, L-P's subsidiary Ketchikan Pulp Company ("KPC") entered into agreements with the federal government to resolve the issues related to water and air compliance problems experienced at KPC's pulp mill during the late 1980's and early 1990's. In addition to civil and criminal penalties that have been paid, KPC also agreed to undertake up to $20 million in expenditures, which are primarily capital in nature, including certain remedial and pollution control related measures. While the Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") and KPC have agreed that the closure of the pulp mill in May 1997 eliminated the need for many of the pollution control related measures, court approval is required for relief from these requirements. As part of the agreements, KPC is in the process of studying Ward Cove, the body of water adjacent to the former mill site, to determine whether cleanup of cove sediments is necessary. KPC may be required to spend approximately $4 to $6 million in addition to the approximately $2 million already spent on this project, as part of the $20 million discussed above. KPC also signed an agreement with the State of Alaska and the EPA to investigate and, if necessary, clean up the property on which the pulp mill was formerly located. KPC has completed the investigative portion of this project at a cost of approximately $1.5 million. Some cleanup has already occurred, with additional cleanup scheduled to be completed by mid-1999. Anticipated costs of previous and scheduled cleanup may be up to $1 million. Other areas may need to be cleaned up; no cost estimates of such additional cleanups have yet been made. KPC has completed the closure of a landfill near Thorne Bay, Alaska, pursuant to an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service (the "USFS"). Costs of the project totaled approximately $6 million. KPC is also monitoring leachate from the landfill in order to evaluate whether treatment of the leachate is necessary. The EPA and the Department of Justice have indicated their intent to seek penalties for alleged civil violations of the Clean Water Act at the KPC facility. KPC is also defending an appeal of an earlier court decision dismissing a citizens' suit by plaintiff Alaska Clean Water Alliance alleging Clean Water Act violations. KPC is actively pursuing resolution of both of these actions. L-P's Missoula, Montana, particleboard facility is the subject of an investigation by the EPA for alleged improper management of sander dust at the facility. L-P is also conducting its own investigation. L-P's potential liability, if any, is unknown at this time, but is not anticipated to have a material adverse effect on L-P's business, financial position, results of operations or liquidity. -12- Certain L-P plant sites have, or are suspected of having, substances in the ground or in the groundwater underlying the sites that are considered pollutants. Appropriate corrective action or plans for corrective action are underway. Where the pollutants were caused by previous owners of the property, L-P is vigorously pursuing those parties through legal channels as well as insurance coverage under all applicable policies. Although L-P's policy is to comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations, the company has, in the past, been required to pay fines for non-compliance. In some instances, litigation has resulted from contested environmental actions. Also, L-P is involved in other environmental actions and proceedings which could result in fines or penalties. Based on the information currently available, management believes that any fines, penalties or other losses resulting from the matters discussed above in excess of the reserve for environmental loss contingencies will not have a material adverse effect on the business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows or liquidity of L-P. Colorado Criminal Proceedings In June 1995, a federal grand jury returned an indictment in the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado, against L-P in connection with alleged environmental violations, as well as alleged fraud in connection with the submission of unrepresentative oriented strand board (OSB) product samples to an industry product certification agency, by L-P's Montrose (Olathe), Colorado OSB plant. In connection with entering a guilty plea as to certain criminal violations in May 1998, L-P agreed to pay total penalties of $37 million (including making $500,000 in charitable contributions), of which $12 million has been paid, and was sentenced to five years of probation. The $25 million balance of the fine is payable in three equal annual installments, together with accrued interest, beginning July 1, 2000, and is secured by a statutory lien. All remaining charges against L-P were dismissed. In December 1995, L-P received a notice of suspension from the EPA stating that, because of the criminal proceedings pending against L-P in Colorado, the Montrose facility would be prohibited from purchasing timber directly from the USFS. In April 1998, L-P signed a Settlement and Compliance Agreement with the EPA. This agreement formally lifted the 1995 suspension imposed on the Montrose facility. The agreement has a term of five years and obligates L-P to develop and implement certain corporate policies and programs, including such measures as a policy of cooperation with the EPA, an employee disclosure program and a policy of nonretaliation against employees, to conduct its business to the best of its ability in accordance with federal laws and regulations and local and state environmental laws, to report significant violations of law to the EPA, and to conduct at least two audits of its compliance with the agreement. A number of the compliance requirements have been completed. OSB Siding Matters L-P has been named as a defendant in numerous class action and non-class action proceedings, brought on behalf of various persons or purported classes of persons (including nationwide classes in the United States and Canada) who own or have purchased or used OSB siding manufactured by L-P, because of alleged unfair business practices, breach of warranty, misrepresentation, conspiracy to defraud, and other theories related to alleged defects, deterioration, or failure of OSB siding products. -13- The United States District Court for the District of Oregon has given final approval to a settlement between L-P and a nationwide class composed of all persons who own, have owned, or subsequently acquire property on which L-P's OSB siding was installed prior to January 1, 1996, excluding persons who timely opted out of the settlement and persons who are members of the settlement class in the Florida litigation described below. Under the settlement agreement, an eligible claimant whose claim is filed prior to January 1, 2003 (or earlier in certain cases) and is approved by an independent claims administrator, is entitled to receive from the settlement fund established under the agreement a payment equal to the replacement cost (determined by a third-party construction cost estimator and currently estimated to be in the range of $2.20 to $6.40 per square foot depending on the type of product and geographic location) of damaged siding, reduced by a specific adjustment (of up to 65 percent) based on the age of the siding. Class members who previously submitted or resolved claims under any other warranty or claims program of L-P may be entitled to receive the difference between the amount payable under the settlement agreement and the amount previously paid. The extent of damage to OSB siding at each claimant's property is determined by an independent adjuster in accordance with a specified protocol. Settlement payments are not subject to adjustment for improper maintenance or installation. A claimant who is dissatisfied with the amount to be paid under the settlement may elect to pursue claims against L-P in a binding arbitration seeking compensatory damages without regard to the amount of payment calculated under the settlement protocol. A claimant who elects to pursue an arbitration claim must prove his entitlement to damages under any available legal theory, and L-P may assert any available defense, including defenses that otherwise had been waived under the settlement agreement. If the arbitrator reduces the damage award otherwise payable to the claimant because of a finding of improper installation, the claimant may pursue a claim against the contractor/builder to the extent the award was reduced. The settlement requires L-P to pay $275 million into the settlement fund in seven annual installments beginning in mid-1996: $100 million, $55 million, $40 million, $30 million, $20 million, $15 million, and $15 million. As of December 31, 1998, L-P had funded the first three installments. L-P also had funded a significant portion of the last four installments through the Early Payment Program discussed below. If at any time after the fourth year of the settlement period the amount of approved claims (paid and pending) were to equal or exceed $275 million, then the settlement agreement would terminate as to all claims in excess of $275 million unless L-P timely elects to provide additional funding within 12 months thereafter equal to the lesser of (i) the excess of unfunded claims over $275 million or (ii) $50 million and, if necessary to satisfy unfunded claims, a second payment within 24 months equal to the lesser of (i) the remaining unfunded amount or (ii) $50 million. If the total payments to the settlement fund are insufficient to satisfy in full all approved claims filed prior to January 1, 2003, then L-P may elect to satisfy the unfunded claims by making additional payments into the settlement fund at the end of each of the next two 12-month periods or until all claims are paid in full, with each additional payment being in an amount equal to the greater of (i) 50 percent of the aggregate sum of all remaining unfunded approved claims or (ii) 100 percent of the aggregate amount of unfunded approved claims, up to a maximum of $50 million. If L-P fails to make any such additional payment, all class members whose claims remain unsatisfied from the settlement fund may pursue any available legal remedies against L-P without regard to the release of claims provided in the settlement agreement. -14- If L-P makes all payments required under the settlement agreement, including all additional payments as specified above, class members will be deemed to have released L-P from all claims for damaged OSB siding, except for claims arising under their existing 25-year limited warranty after termination of the settlement agreement. The settlement agreement does not cover consequential damages resulting from damage to OSB Inner-Seal siding or damage to utility grade OSB siding (sold without any express warranty), either of which could create additional claims. In addition to payments to the settlement fund, L-P was required to pay fees of class counsel in the amount of $26.25 million, as well as expenses of administering the settlement fund and inspecting properties for damage and certain other costs. After accruing interest on undisbursed funds and deducting class notification costs, prior claims costs (including payments advanced to homeowners in urgent circumstances) and payment of claims under the settlement, as of December 31, 1998, approximately $5.8 million remained of the $195 million paid into the fund to date. The claims submitted to the claims administrator to date substantially exceed the $275 million of payments that L-P is required to make under the settlement agreement. As calculated under the terms of the settlement, claims submitted and inspected exceeded $500 million at December 31, 1998, compared to $475 million at September 30, 1998. Both figures include approximately $18 million of claims paid directly by L-P to claimants under the settlement agreement prior to the establishment of the settlement fund. L-P has not decided whether it will provide the optional funding discussed above in excess of the required $275 million after the fourth year of the settlement, to the extent that it still remains an issue following implementation of the Early Payment Program and Second Settlement Fund discussed below, under which L-P effectively has paid a substantial portion of the claims that otherwise potentially would have been payable out of the first two $50 million optional payments. Under the terms of the settlement, L-P must make a decision regarding the optional funding by August 2000. As an alternative to making additional payments, L-P could elect to pursue other options, including allowing the settlement agreement to terminate, thereby entitling claimants with unsatisfied claims to pursue available legal remedies against L-P. On October 26, 1998, L-P announced an agreement to offer early payments to eligible claimants who have submitted valid and approved claims under the original settlement agreement (the "Early Payment Program") and to establish an additional $125 million fund to pay all other approved claims that are filed before December 31, 1999 (the "Second Settlement Fund"). The Early Payment Program applies to all claimants who are entitled to be paid from the $80 million of mandatory payments that remain to be paid under the settlement and to all claimants who otherwise would be paid from the proceeds of the two optional $50 million payments that L-P may elect to make under the settlement. The early payments from the $80 million are discounted at a rate of 9% per annum calculated from their original payment dates (1999-2002) to the date the early payment offer was made. The early payments from the two $50 million optional contributions are discounted at a rate of 12% per annum calculated from 2001 and 2002. Claimants may accept or reject the discounted early payments in favor of remaining under the original settlement, but may not arbitrate the amount of their early payments. As of March 5, 1999, approximately $128.0 million in Early Payment Program checks had been mailed and $114.4 million had been cashed in settlement of claims; approximately $5.0 million in checks remain to be mailed. -15- The $125 million Second Settlement Fund represents an alternative source of payment for all approved claims not eligible for the Early Payment Program and all new claims filed before December 31, 1999. In early 2000, claimants electing to participate in the Second Settlement Fund will be offered a pro rata share of the fund in complete satisfaction of their claims, which they may accept or reject in favor of remaining under the original settlement. Claimants who accept their pro rata share may not file additional claims under the settlement or arbitrate the amount of their payments. Claimants who elect not to participate in the Second Settlement Fund remain bound by the terms of the original settlement. If L-P is dissatisfied with the number of claimants who elect to be paid from the Second Settlement Fund, L-P may refuse to proceed with funding at its sole option. In that event, the Second Settlement Fund will be canceled and all the claimants who had elected to participate in it will be governed by the original settlement. A settlement of a related class action in Florida was approved by the Circuit Court for Lake County, Florida, on October 4, 1995. Under the settlement, L-P has established a claims procedure pursuant to which members of the settlement class may report problems with L-P's OSB siding and have their properties inspected by an independent adjuster, who will measure the amount of damage and also determine the extent to which improper design, construction, installation, finishing, painting, and maintenance may have contributed to any damage. The maximum payment for damaged siding is $3.40 per square foot for lap siding and $2.82 per square foot for panel siding, subject to reduction by up to 75 percent for damage resulting from improper design, construction, installation, finishing, painting, or maintenance, and also subject to reduction for age of siding more than three years old. L-P has agreed that the deduction from the payment to a member of the Florida class will be not greater than the deduction computed for a similar claimant under the national settlement agreement described above. Class members will be entitled to make claims until October 4, 2000. Other OSB Matters Three separate purported class actions on behalf of owners and purchasers of properties in which L-P's OSB panels were used for flooring, sheathing, or underlayment have been consolidated in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California under the caption Agius v. Louisiana-Pacific Corporation. The actions seek damages and equitable relief for alleged fraud, misrepresentation, breach of warranty, negligence, and improper trade practices related to alleged improprieties in testing, product certification, and marketing of OSB structural panels, and alleged premature deterioration of such panels. A separate state court action entitled Carney v. Louisiana-Pacific Corporation is pending in the Superior Court of the State of California for the City and County of San Francisco, seeking relief under California consumer protection statutes based on similar allegations. On February 27, 1998, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California entered an order approving a settlement that would resolve the above actions. A final order approving the settlement is expected pending resolution of an appeal by a single claimant. The settlement class, other than persons who opted out, is generally composed of all persons who purchased L-P OSB sheathing or acquired real property or structures in the United States containing L-P OSB sheathing between January 1, 1984, and October 22, 1997, but only if they have retained ownership of the product. Under the settlement agreement, an eligible claimant who files a claim prior to October 22, 2017, upon review of the claim by the claims administrator, will be entitled to recover the reasonable cost of repair or replacement of any L-P OSB sheathing determined to have failed to perform its essential function as -16- warranted and not occasioned by misuse, negligent or intentional misconduct of a third party or an event over which L-P had no control. The settlement agreement also provides for payment of a $1.5 million grant to the University of California Forest Products Laboratory and reasonable attorney fees of class counsel. In accordance with the terms of the settlement, L-P exercised its right to go forward with the claims process prior to the resolution of the appeal and began sending claim form packages on August 19, 1998. As of December 31, 1998, 4,454 notice packages had been mailed, 2,282 claim form packages had been mailed, 96 claim forms had been received, and 24 claims had been verified as valid and forwarded for inspection. To date, five claims have been inspected by third-party inspectors; all five have been denied and resulted in no cash settlements. ABT Hardboard Siding Matters ABT, ABTco, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ABT ("ABTco" and, together with ABT, the "ABT Entities"), Abitibi-Price Corporation ("Abitibi"), a predecessor of ABT, and certain affiliates of Abitibi (the "Abitibi Affiliates" and, together with Abitibi, the "Abitibi Entities") have been named as defendants in a conditionally certified class action filed in Alabama state court and six other putative class action proceedings filed in various state courts from 1995 to 1998 and brought on behalf of various persons or purported classes of persons (including nationwide classes) who own or have purchased or used hardboard siding manufactured or sold by the ABT Entities or the Abitibi Entities. In general, the plaintiffs in these proceedings have alleged unfair business practices, breach of warranty, fraud, misrepresentation, negligence, and other theories related to alleged defects, deterioration, or other failure of such hardboard siding, and seek unspecified compensatory, punitive, and other damages, attorneys' fees and other relief. In addition, Abitibi has been named in certain other actions, which may result in liability to ABT under the allocation agreement between ABT and Abitibi described below. Except in the case of certain of the putative class actions that have been stayed, the ABT Entities have filed answers in these proceedings that deny all material allegations of the plaintiffs and assert affirmative defenses. L-P intends to cause the ABT Entities to defend these proceedings vigorously. ABT and Abitibi have agreed to an allocation of liability with respect to claims relating to (1) siding sold by the ABT Entities after October 22, 1992 ("ABT Board"), and (2) siding sold by the Abitibi Entities on or before, or held as finished goods inventory by the Abitibi Entities on, October 22, 1992 ("Abitibi Board"). In general, ABT and Abitibi have agreed that all amounts paid in settlement or judgment (other than any punitive damages assessed individually against either the ABT Entities or the Abitibi Entities) following the completion of any claims process resolving any class action claim (including consolidated cases involving more than 125 homes owned by named plaintiffs) shall be paid (a) 100% by ABT insofar as they relate to ABT Board, (b) 65% by Abitibi and 35% by ABT insofar as they relate to Abitibi Board, and (c) 50% by ABT and 50% by Abitibi insofar as they cannot be allocated to ABT Board or Abitibi Board. In general, amounts paid in connection with class action claims for joint local counsel and other joint expenses, and for plaintiffs' attorneys' fees and -17- expenses, are to be allocated in a similar manner, except that joint costs of defending and disposing of class action claims incurred prior to the final determination of what portion of claims relate to ABT Board and what portion relate to Abitibi Board are to be paid 50% by ABT and 50% by Abitibi (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances). ABT and Abitibi have also agreed to certain allocations (generally on a 50/50 basis) of amounts paid for settlements, judgments and associated fees and expenses in respect of non-class action claims relating to Abitibi Board. ABT is solely responsible for such amounts in respect of claims relating to ABT Board. Other Proceedings L-P and its subsidiaries are parties to other legal proceedings. Management believes that the outcome of such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or liquidity of L-P. For a discussion of financial statement reserves related to environmental and legal proceedings at December 31, 1998, see Note 8 of the Notes to Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS No matter was submitted to a vote of L-P's security holders during the fourth quarter of 1998. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION Information regarding each executive officer of L-P as of March 12, 1999 (including certain executives whose duties may cause them to be classified as executive officers under applicable SEC rules), including employment history for the past five years, is set forth below. Mark A. Suwyn, age 56, has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since January 1996. Before joining L-P, Mr. Suwyn was Executive Vice President of International Paper Company from 1992 through 1995. Mr. Suwyn is also a director of L-P. J. Ray Barbee, age 51, has been Vice President, Sales and Marketing, since June 1998. Prior to joining L-P as Director of Pulp in 1997, Mr. Barbee was Vice President and General Sales Manager of Boise Cascade Corporation from 1989 to 1997. F. Jeff Duncan, Jr., age 44, has been Chief Information Officer of L-P since October 1998. Mr. Duncan had been Director of Information Technology of L-P since September 1996. He was previously employed by E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. for 19 years in a variety of positions, most recently as Systems Manager-New Business Development. Warren C. Easley, age 57, has been Vice President, Technology and Quality since May 1996. He was Technical Manager--Nylon Division, North America for E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. from 1969 to 1996. Richard W. Frost, age 47, joined L-P in May 1996 as Vice President, Timberlands and Fiber Procurement. Mr. Frost was Vice President and Operational Manager for S.D. Warren Company from 1992 to 1996. -18- M. Ward Hubbell, age 38, has been Director, Corporate Affairs since September 1997. Before joining L-P, Mr. Hubbell was employed by International Paper Company beginning in October 1992, first as Communications Director and then as Federal Affairs Manager. J. Keith Matheney, age 50, has been Vice President, Core Businesses since June 1998. He previously was Vice President, Sales and Marketing from January 1997 to June 1998, General Manager--Western Division from February 1996 to January 1997, General Manager--Weather-Seal Division from May 1994 to February 1996, and Director of Sales and Marketing prior to May 1994. Elizabeth T. Smith, age 54, has been Director, Environmental Affairs since 1993. Curtis M. Stevens, age 46, has been Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer since September 1997. Before joining L-P, Mr. Stevens spent 13 years as the senior financial executive of Planar Systems, Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of electroluminescent flat panel displays, where he was named Executive Vice President and General Manager in 1996. Michael J. Tull, age 53, has been Vice President, Human Resources since May 1996. Before joining L-P, Mr. Tull was employed by Sharp HealthCare, a regional system of hospitals and related facilities in San Diego, California, for more than 10 years, most recently as Corporate Vice President of Employee Quality and Development beginning in 1991. Gary C. Wilkerson, age 52, has been Vice President and General Counsel since September 1997. Before joining L-P, Mr. Wilkerson served as (acting) Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for the consumer products division of IVAX Pharmaceuticals beginning in early 1997. For the previous seven years, he was Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Maybelline Co., a cosmetics manufacturer. Walter M. Wirfs, age 51, has been Vice President, Manufacturing since March 1999. Mr. Wirfs was employed by Willamette Industries, Inc., a forest products company headquartered in Portland, Oregon, for 23 years until December 1997, most recently as Vice President of its Southern and Atlantic Regions. For the past year, he had served as President of the Western Wood Products Association in Portland, Oregon. Executive officers are elected from time to time by the Board of Directors. Each officer's term of office runs until the meeting of the Board of Directors following the next annual meeting of the stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The common stock of L-P is listed on the New York Stock Exchange with the ticker symbol "LPX". The Dow-Jones newspaper quotations symbol for the common stock is "LaPac." Information regarding market prices for the common stock is included in the table in Item 6 headed "High and Low Stock Prices." At March 12, 1999, L-P had approximately 17,700 stockholders of record. -19- Information regarding cash dividends paid during 1998 and 1997 is included in the tables in Item 6 headed "1998 Quarterly Data" and "1997 Quarterly Data." Holders of the common stock may participate in L-P's dividend reinvestment program maintained by its transfer agent. -20- ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE 1998 1997 - ------------------------------------------- ---- ---- ANNUAL DATA Net sales $ 2,297.1 $ 2,402.5 Net income (loss) 2.0 (101.8) Net income (loss) per share-basic and diluted (.02) (.94) Net cash provided by operating activities 123.0 88.2 Capital expenditures-- plants, logging roads and timber (includes cash portion of acquisitions) 122.5 204.5 Working capital 245.5 277.5 Ratio of current assets to current liabilities 1.67 to 1 1.87 to 1 Total assets 2,519.1 2,578.4 Long-term debt, excluding current portion 459.8 572.3 Long-term debt as a percent of total capitalization 27.3% 30.8% Stockholders' equity 1,222.8 1,286.2 Per ending share of common stock 11.40 11.73 Number of employees 10,000 12,000 Number of stockholders of record 17,700 22,000
1ST QTR 2ND QTR 3RD QTR 4TH QTR YEAR ------- ------- ------- ------- ---- 1998 QUARTERLY DATA - ------------------- Net sales $ 548.3 $ 623.2 $ 606.3 $ 519.3 $ 2,297.1 Gross profit (loss) (1) (31.2) 22.0 80.6 3.2 74.6 Income (loss) before taxes and minority interest (38.8) 341.7(2) (310.5)(2) 21.6(2) 14.0 Net income (loss) (25.1) 203.9(2) (192.7)(2) 15.9(2) 2.0 Net income (loss) per share- basic and diluted (.23) 1.87(2) (1.77)(2) .15(2) .02 Cash dividends per share .14 .14 .14 .14 .56 1997 QUARTERLY DATA Net sales $ 554.6 $ 633.3 $ 619.5 $ 595.1 $ 2,402.5 Gross profit (loss) (1) (35.1) (8.2) (13.8) (31.4) (88.5) Income (loss) before taxes and minority interest 78.3(2) (14.7) (176.3)(2) (37.3) (150.0) Net income (loss) 42.0(2) (10.1) (112.4)(2) (21.3) (101.8) Net income (loss) per share- basic and diluted .39(2) (.10) (1.03)(2) (.20) (.94) Cash dividends per share .14 .14 .14 .14 .56 HIGH AND LOW STOCK PRICES 1998 High $ 24.06 $ 24.19 $ 22.69 $ 22.44 $24.19 Low 17.50 17.88 17.19 16.38 16.38 1997 High $ 22.00 $ 21.56 $ 25.56 $ 25.88 $ 25.88 Low 19.88 17.00 20.50 17.54 17.00 - --------------------------
(1) Gross profit (loss) is income (loss) before unusual credits and charges, taxes, minority interest and interest. (2) In the first quarter of 1997, L-P's Ketchikan Pulp Company subsidiary recorded a net gain of $122 million ($74 million after income taxes, or $.68 per share) to reflect -21- the initial amount paid under a settlement agreement with the U.S. Government over claims related to the long-term timber supply contract in Alaska, net of adjustments to closure-related accruals. In the third quarter of 1997, L-P recorded a $210 million charge ($128 million after taxes, or $1.18 per share) to reflect the write-down of certain properties for sale, to adjust for litigation settlements and other cost accruals. Gains from the sale of 79,000 acres of timber and timberland in California during the third quarter amounting to $56 million ($34 million after taxes, or $.31 per share) were netted against the charges. In the second quarter of 1998, L-P recorded a net gain of $328 million ($195 million after taxes, or $1.79 per share) primarily resulting from gains on the sales of timberland, sawmill and distribution assets in California and the Weather-Seal window and door business. Charges relating to the settlement of legal issues in Montrose, Colorado of $14 million after taxes (or $.13 per share) and other charges were netted against the asset sale gains. In the third quarter of 1998, L-P recorded a net loss of $392 million ($241 million after taxes, or $2.21 per share) resulting from a charge to adjust siding-related reserves to reflect revisions to the national class-action settlement, the write-down of an operating facility, and other items. Gains on insurance recoveries and the sale of surplus properties were netted against this charge. In the fourth quarter of 1998, L-P recorded a $16 million gain ($10 million after taxes, or $.09 per share) on a recovery from an insurance company for siding-related matters. -22- Financial Summary - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- dollar amounts in millions except per share - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- year ended December 31 1998 (1) 1997 (1) 1996 (1) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY INCOME STATEMENT DATA Net sales $2,297.1 $2,402.5 $2,486.0 Gross profit (loss) (2) 74.6 (88.5) 31.0 Interest, net (12.8) (29.0) (7.8) Provision (benefit) for income taxes 15.8 (43.6) (125.6) Income (loss) 2.0 (101.8) (200.7) Income (loss) per share - basic .02 (.94) (1.87) Income (loss) per share4 - diluted .02 (.94) (1.87) Cash dividends per share .56 .56 .56 Average shares of common stock outstanding (millions) Basic 108.4 108.5 107.4 Diluted 108.6 108.5 107.4 SUMMARY BALANCE SHEETS Current assets $ 612.1 $ 596.8 $ 612.9 Timber and timberlands, at cost less cost of timber harvested 499.0 634.2 648.6 Property, plant and equipment, net 913.3 1,191.8 1,278.5 Notes receivable from asset sales 403.8 49.9 - Goodwill and other assets 90.9 105.7 82.4 ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- Total assets $2,519.1 $2,578.4 $2,622.4 ================ ================= ================ Current liabilities $ 366.6 $319.3 $ 378.4 Long-term debt, excluding current portion 459.8 572.3 458.6 Deferred income taxes and other 469.9 400.6 357.8 Stockholders' equity 1,222.8 1,286.2 1,427.6 ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $2,519.1 $2,578.4 $2,622.4 ================ ================= ================ KEY FINANCIAL TRENDS Working capital $ 245.5 $ 277.5 $ 234.5 ================ ================= ================ Plant and logging road additions (3) $ 77.8 $ 154.8 $ 244.0 Timber additions, net 44.7 49.7 22.0 ================ ================= ================ Total capital additions $ 122.5 $ 204.5 $ 266.0 ================ ================= ================ Long-term debt as a percent of total capitalization 27% 31% 24% Income (loss) as a percent of average equity - (8%) (13%) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------
-23- 1995 (1) 1994 - ---------------- ---------------- $2,843.2 $3,039.5 268.9 558.6 2.9 1.0 (45.8) 209.8 (51.7) 346.9 (.48) 3.15 (.48) 3.13 .545 .485 107.0 110.1 107.0 110.8 $ 618.5 $ 721.9 689.6 693.5 1,452.3 1,273.2 - - 45.0 55.1 - ---------------- ---------------- $2,805.4 $2,743.7 ================ ================ $ 448.5 $ 344.8 201.3 209.8 499.6 339.7 1,656.0 1,849.4 - ---------------- ---------------- $2,805.4 $2,743.7 ================ ================ $ 170.0 $ 377.1 ================ ================ $ 362.9 $ 286.0 49.7 66.0 ================ ================ $ 412.6 $ 352.0 ================ ================ 11% 10% (3%) 20% - ---------------- ---------------- 1 Includes unusual credits and charges. See the Notes to Financial Statements. 2 Gross profit (loss) is income (loss) before unusual credits and charges, income taxes, minority interest, and interest. 3 Includes cash paid in acquisitions. -24- ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS L-P earned $2.0 million ($.02 per share), in 1998, which included pre-tax net unusual charges of $47.8 million ($36.1 million after taxes, or $.33 per share). L-P's net loss in 1996 primarily resulted from net unusual charges and to a lesser extent, 1997 results were also impacted by unusual charges. The net charges in 1997 were $32.5 million pre-tax ($20.6 million after tax, or $.19 per share) and the 1996 charges were $350.0 million pre-tax ($215.0 million after tax, or $2.00 per share). These net charges are discussed in further detail in Note 7 to the financial statements. Prior to the charges, L-P had after-tax income of $38.1 million ($.35 per share) in 1998, an after-tax loss of $81.2 million in 1997 ($.75 per share) and after-tax income of $14.3 million in 1996 ($.13 per share). Sales in 1998 were $2.30 billion, a 4% decline from 1997 sales of $2.40 billion. Sales in 1997 were 3% lower than 1996 sales of $2.49 billion. L-P operates in five major business segments: structural products, exterior products, industrial panel products, specialty and other products, and pulp. Structural products is the most significant segment, accounting for approximately 60% of net sales. The results of operations are discussed below for each of these segments separately. Additional information about the factors affecting L-P's segments is presented in the "Product Information Summary" on pages 38 and 39. Most of L-P's products are sold as commodities and therefore sales prices fluctuate based on market factors over which L-P has little or no control. L-P cannot predict whether the prices of its products will remain at current levels, or will increase or decrease in the future because supply and demand are influenced by many factors, only two of which are the cost and availability of raw materials. L-P is not able to determine to what extent, if any, it will be able to pass any future increases in the price of raw materials on to customers through product price increases. Demand for the majority of L-P's products is subject to cyclical fluctuations over which L-P has no control. Demand for L-P's building products is heavily influenced by the level of residential construction activity, which is subject to fluctuations due to changes in economic conditions, interest rates, population growth and other factors. These cyclical fluctuations in demand are unpredictable and may have a substantial influence on L-P's results of operations. -25- SELECTED SEGMENT DATA - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- dollar amounts in millions - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- increase (decrease) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- year ended December 31 1998 1997 1996 98-97 97-96 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales: Structural products $1,374 $1,294 $1,408 6% (8%) Exterior products 107 103 99 4% 4% Industrial panel products 175 181 195 (3%) (7%) Specialty and other products 566 695 607 (19%) 14% Pulp 75 130 177 (42%) (27%) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total sales $2,297 $2,403 $2,486 (4%) (3%) ======================================================================================== Profit (loss): Structural products $ 199 $ 22 $ 135 805% (84%) Exterior products 22 9 17 144% (47%) Industrial panel products 6 13 31 (54%) (58%) Specialty and other products (20) (24) (9) 17% (167%) Pulp (38) (29) (91) (31%) 68% - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total profit (loss) $ 169 $ (9) $ 83 1,978% (111%) ========================================================================================
STRUCTURAL PRODUCTS Structural products consist of oriented strand board (OSB), plywood, lumber and engineered wood products (EWP). The slight decline in sales in the structural products segment in 1998 was primarily the result of sales and closures of less efficient and non-strategic manufacturing facilities, partially offset by increased sales of OSB and plywood. In 1997, OSB and plywood sales suffered from industry wide over-capacity which negatively impacted average selling prices. Increased lumber and EWP sales partially offset the OSB and plywood declines in 1997. OSB average selling prices increased 47% in 1998 compared to 1997, while prices decreased 24% from 1996 to 1997. The OSB market recovery in 1998, due to strong demand, was sharply contrasted to the industry-wide over-capacity of prior years that led to significant price declines in those years. OSB sales volume increased 11% in 1998 compared to 1997 due primarily to a net capacity increase as well as increased operating efficiencies. Sales volume remained level in 1997 compared to 1996. Plywood average selling prices increased modestly in each of the last two years as L-P has shifted to higher-value products and demand has remained strong. Plywood sales volume decreased 25% in 1998 and 19% in 1997, largely due to the closure of two plywood plants during the last two years. Lumber sales decreased in 1998 due to an 11% decline in prices and a volume decline of 13%. The volume decline primarily resulted from the sale or shutdown of non-strategic mills in 1998. A sharp drop in demand for lumber in Asia has caused a decrease in exports of lumber from North America. This in turn has created an oversupply of lumber in North American markets which negatively impacted prices throughout 1998 and the latter part of 1997. Lumber sales increased in 1997 due to a 7% increase in average sales prices offset by a 5% decrease in volume sold. Lumber markets experienced strong demand through the first three quarters of 1997, benefiting from a robust U.S. economy, relatively low interest rates and strong housing starts. -26- Engineered wood products (EWP) include engineered I-Joists, laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and veneer. Product prices did not change significantly in 1998 or 1997. The increase in sales in 1998 was primarily due to a fast-growing market for these products and due to a marketing agreement to sell the products of an independent producer. The sales increase in 1997 was largely due to the acquisition of the assets of Tecton Laminates, Inc. as well as general market growth. In 1998, the profitability of the structural products segment increased significantly, largely the result of price improvements for OSB and improvement in the efficiency of production facilities. Decreases in lumber pricing partially offset the improved OSB performance. Overall, log costs did not change significantly in 1998. The primary factor in the decrease in profitability in the structural products segment in 1997 was the erosion of OSB selling prices, although increased selling prices for lumber helped to moderate this effect. Higher log costs in the southern region of the country caused a significant reduction in plywood earnings in 1997. LIFO (last-in first-out) inventory income (expense) adjustments of $14 million in 1998, $(4) million in 1997 and $5 million in 1996 are included in the structural products segment. EXTERIOR PRODUCTS The exterior products segment consists of siding and related products such as soffit, facia and trim. These products are currently made primarily using an OSB substrate. In future years, this segment will include products from the 1999 purchase of ABT Building Products Corporation (ABT), including hardboard siding, vinyl siding and other exterior products. Average selling prices were relatively flat in 1998 and 1997. Sales volume increased in 1998 and 1997 as market acceptance of the product increased. The manufacturing facilities took significant downtime in 1997 to reduce inventory levels, which contributed to higher per unit cost of sales and thus, lower earnings. In 1998, the manufacturing facilities produced and sold a moderate volume of commodity OSB product, which made a positive contribution to earnings. INDUSTRIAL PANEL PRODUCTS The industrial panel products segment consists of particleboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF) and hardboard. Market over-capacity in industrial panels has contributed to reductions in both sales and profits during the reported years. Average selling prices decreased by 3% in 1998 and 7% in 1997 due to downward market pressure. Sales volumes did not change significantly. In future years, this segment will also include hardboard products from the purchase of ABT. SPECIALTY AND OTHER PRODUCTS The specialty and other products segment includes coatings and chemicals, cellulose insulation, Ireland operations, Alaska lumber and logging operations and other products. In 1998, sales for this segment decreased principally due to the sale of the Weather-Seal windows and doors division and Creative Point Inc. (which sold consumer electronic media storage devices) and two California distribution centers. The increase in other building products sales in 1997 was primarily due to the acquisitions of Associated Chemists, Inc. (coatings and chemicals) in mid-1996 and GreenStone Industries, Inc. (cellulose insulation) in early 1997 as well as increased sales from distribution facilities. -27- Losses in the specialty and other products segment were primarily influenced by the KPC lumber and logging operations, which lost approximately $3 million in 1997 and 1998, $17 million in 1997 and $10 million in 1996. Additional losses were incurred in 1997 and 1998 as a result of market development efforts in the cellulose insulation business. Several non-strategic product lines in this segment were divested during 1998. PULP Pulp segment operations in 1998 continued to be impacted by the world-wide over-capacity in the pulp industry and the Asian economic crisis. Asian markets historically comprised a significant market for pulp and the crisis caused demand, and thus pulp prices, to decline late in 1997, which continued into 1998. Average sales prices decreased 21% which contributed to the increased losses in 1998. Pulp sales volume decreased 27% as L-P's pulp mills took intermittent downtime during 1998 because of the weak markets. The single largest factor in the decline in pulp sales in 1997 was the closure in March 1997 of the pulp mill owned by L-P's Ketchikan Pulp Company (KPC) subsidiary. In 1997, pulp sales volumes decreased approximately 10%, and average selling prices dropped approximately 19%. Excluding KPC, L-P's remaining pulp business showed an increase of 11% in sales volume and a price decrease of approximately 6%. Pulp segment losses improved significantly in 1997 compared to 1996 due in large part to the shut-down of the KPC mill which had been suffering losses due to market conditions and changes in the timber supply contract. At the two remaining mills, L-P successfully cut its operating costs through a concentrated cost reduction effort, both from more efficient operations and a central purchasing program. L-P pulp products represent the majority of L-P's export sales. Therefore, the decline in pulp sales was the primary reason for L-P's decreased export sales in 1998 and 1997, both in amount and as a percent of total sales. Information regarding L-P's geographic segments and export sales are provided in Note 10 to the financial statements. GENERAL CORPORATE EXPENSE, NET Net general corporate expense was $94 million in 1998, compared to $80 million in 1997 and $52 million in 1996. Credits resulting from gains on the sales of miscellaneous assets of approximately $6 million in 1997 and $17 million in 1996 were netted into this expense. The remaining increase in each year is primarily attributable to increased sales and marketing personnel as the Company has focused on its customers, the addition of key personnel to implement management's strategies and a revision of allocation methods of certain administrative costs to product lines due to changes in the organization of the Company. UNUSUAL CREDITS AND CHARGES, NET For a discussion of unusual credits and charges, net, refer to Note 7 to the financial statements. INTEREST, NET In 1998, net interest expense of $13 million was down 55% from the 1997 expense of $29 million. Cash from asset sales was used to reduce debt levels and thus, net interest expense in 1998. Net interest expense rose significantly in 1997 as L-P borrowed funds to cover its settlement obligations and fund capital expenditures. Additionally, interest capitalized has decreased in 1998 and 1997 as construction projects have been completed. -28- LEGAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS For a discussion of legal and environmental matters involving L-P and the potential effect on the Company, refer to Note 8 to the financial statements. FINANCIAL POSITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Net cash provided by operations increased to $123 million in 1998 from $88 million in 1997, and $23 million in 1996. In 1998, the increase in cash provided by operations resulted primarily from improved operating results. The 1997 increase was primarily due to a settlement from the U.S. Government of $135 million for claims related to the KPC long-term timber supply contract. L-P paid out $113 million in 1998, $205 million in 1997 and $263 million in 1996 related to litigation settlements. Net cash provided by investing activities was $246 million in 1998 compared to net cash used in investing activities of $140 million in 1997 and $213 million in 1996. In 1998, L-P received proceeds of $368 million from the sale of assets, primarily timber and sawmill assets in California, the Weather-Seal division and Creative Point, Inc. In 1997 and 1996, L-P received $64 million and $62 million of cash for assets sold. In 1997 and 1996, L-P made significant investments in new OSB facilities. L-P has also spent significant amounts on environmental projects (such as pollution control equipment), upgrades of existing production facilities, timber to supply its operations and logging roads. Capital expenditures decreased in 1998 compared to the prior two years as L-P did not begin construction of any new mills. In 1998, L-P used a net $275 million of cash in financing activities. A total of $496 million was used to repay term and revolving loans and $67 million was used for treasury stock purchases. L-P borrowed $348 million in 1998, by issuing senior secured notes backed by notes receivable received in a separate asset sale transaction. L-P increased its net borrowings by $114 million in 1997 and $196 million in 1996. The borrowings financed the payments of settlement obligations and capital expenditures. L-P's liquidity improved in 1998 primarily as a result of the proceeds of the asset sales. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $127 million at the end of 1998 compared to $32 million at the end of 1997. L-P has a revolving credit facility of $300 million with no borrowings outstanding at year-end 1998 which is available until 2002. In early 1999, L-P used a portion of this credit facility and an additional $100 million bridge loan to fund the purchase of ABT. Subsequent to year-end, L-P filed a shelf registration statement for the placement of up to $500 million of debt securities. Inventories in L-P's balance sheet decreased $53 million, net property, plant and equipment decreased by $279 million and timber and timberlands decreased by $135 million. These changes were primarily related to the sale of assets discussed previously. L-P also wrote down the book value of its Chetwynd, B.C. pulp mill as further discussed in Note 7 to the financial statements. Contingency reserves, which represent an estimate of future cash needs for various contingencies (principally, payments for siding litigation settlements), totaled $368 million at December 31, 1998, of which $140 million is estimated to be payable within one year. As with all accounting estimates, there is inherent uncertainty concerning the reliability and precision of such estimates. As described in Note 8 to the financial statements, the amounts ultimately paid in resolving these contingencies could exceed the current reserves by a material amount. Contingency reserves increased in 1998 as L-P revised its estimate of its liability for legal and environmental matters. -29- L-P continues to be in a strong financial condition with a relatively low ratio of long-term debt as a percent of total capitalization. Management believes, with respect to its current operations, that year-end cash and cash equivalents balances combined with the available lines of credit, borrowings in the capital markets, and cash to be generated from operations will be sufficient to meet projected cash needs including the payments related to the siding litigation settlement referred to above. Pursuant to its business strategy, L-P selectively targets acquisitions that complement its core competencies and have strong growth prospects. Accordingly, L-P intends from time to time to consider possible acquisitions of other companies, businesses and assets. Acquisition transactions, if any, are expected to be financed through a combination of cash on hand and from operations and the possible issuance from time to time of long-term debt or other securities. Depending upon conditions in the capital markets and other factors, L-P will from time to time consider the issuance of debt or other securities, or other possible capital markets transactions, the proceeds of which could be used to refinance current indebtedness or for other corporate purposes. STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM On July 27, 1998, L-P announced a program to repurchase up to 20 million common shares from time to time in the open market. As of December 31, 1998, L-P had reacquired approximately 3.5 million shares for $66.5 million. L-P had approximately 107 million shares outstanding at year-end. YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE The Year 2000 problem refers to a worldwide issue relating to a flaw in many computer programs and computer applications embedded in equipment and other devices. In many existing software and hardware applications, two digits were used to represent the year, such as "99" for "1999." If not corrected, these applications may interpret "00" to be the year 1900 rather than 2000, producing erroneous data or, at worst, failing altogether. L-P recognizes the Year 2000 problem as a serious issue. As such, all in-house application development and purchases of third-party software contemplate the potential impact of the Year 2000. In the fall of 1997, L-P began a formal evaluation process related to Year 2000 exposure and readiness. Elements of this process include creation of a corporate-wide project team, oversight by a management steering committee, and regular reports on progress to senior management and the Board of Directors. As of year-end, all of L-P's business groups, facility locations, operations and corporate functions are covered by the Year 2000 project. The project team is staffed by full-time employees, contractors, and consultants as appropriate. Management is monitoring the progress of the project to ensure that proper methodology is being followed, that adequate controls are in place, and that appropriate steps are being taken to limit risk. The project is divided into three primary areas: (1) information systems; (2) manufacturing systems/building infrastructure; and (3) the evaluation of outside business partners (including major suppliers and customers). The general project tasks for each of the first two areas of emphasis include inventorying items that are exposed to Year 2000 issues, assessing the Year 2000 compliance of such items, remediation (through conversion, upgrades, replacement, or risk managed acceptance of non-compliant items), testing, and developing and implementing contingency plans for each business group and facility location. With respect to outside business partners, project phases include ascertaining L-P's major business partners, assessing their Year 2000 readiness, monitoring their progress, and developing contingency plans. -30- L-P's information systems include such common business applications as payroll, human resources, sales order entry, inventory management, finance, and accounting. These applications will be addressed by either remediating current systems or replacement with industry standard, off-the-shelf software certified by the vendor to be Year 2000 compliant. L-P decided to replace its basic payroll, human resources and most accounting applications with an off-the-shelf package. The initial implementation of these modules was completed as of January 1, 1999. The project team has identified additional business critical applications and has completed the Year 2000 assessment of each of them. Currently, 29% of these applications require further remediation through system upgrades and/or replacements. All remediation of information systems is currently slated for completion by July 1999. With respect to L-P's manufacturing operations, the project is focused on surveying and, if necessary, remediating all computer-controlled and/or embedded devices used in the manufacturing process in nearly 75 plant facilities. Building infrastructure includes items such as heating and air conditioning systems, security access and alarm systems, telephones, and office equipment used in L-P's offices and plants. The inventory phase of the project with respect to manufacturing operations and infrastructure is 100 percent complete. More than 78 percent of the inventoried systems have been assessed for Year 2000 readiness, with completion of this phase scheduled for May 1999. Less than 1 percent of L-P's manufacturing systems and infrastructure assessed to date have been determined to require remediation. These remediation efforts are underway and are scheduled to be completed by July 1999. The costs associated with this component are expected to be immaterial to L-P's business and results of operations and will be included in normal ongoing maintenance. L-P also faces the risk of business disruption from outside business partners which may have information, manufacturing systems or infrastructure that are not Year 2000 compliant. As part of the Year 2000 project, L-P is evaluating critical business partners as to their Year 2000 readiness. The project team is monitoring the progress of these business partners in achieving Year 2000 compliance. Where risk is perceived to be present, L-P will seek to identify alternate business partners and to develop contingency plans to deal with any significant disruptions prior to December 1999. Despite the extensive efforts of L-P's project team, it is likely that unexpected problems associated with the Year 2000 issue will arise. The project team is working to identify areas of the greatest risk to L-P, that is, those areas which are critical to business operations and have limited backup alternatives. This process will include identifying, analyzing and developing plans for dealing with the most reasonably likely worst case scenario facing L-P. Contingency plans are being developed to minimize the disruptive effect of potential failures and to take corrective action as soon as possible. L-P's contingency planning process is scheduled to be completed by mid-1999. The total expense associated with achieving Year 2000 compliance and developing contingency plans is presently estimated to be approximately $5.5 million, of which approximately $1 million had been incurred by December 31, 1998. These expenses will be funded from operations. This does not include expenses and capital costs associated with replacing systems which L-P would have replaced regardless of Year 2000 issues, including a new human resources information system and a new core financial system. The costs and completion dates for the Year 2000 project discussed herein are based on management's best estimates, which were derived using numerous assumptions regarding future events, including continued availability of certain resources, remediation plans of business partners, and other factors. However, there can be no guarantee that these estimates will be achieved and actual results could differ from expectations. L-P presently does not anticipate the occurrence of major interruptions in its business as a result of Year 2000 issues. However, due to L-P's dependence on systems outside its control, such as telecommunications, financial services, transportation, and water and energy suppliers, there can be no assurance that L-P will not experience disruptions that may have a negative effect on its operations, business, and financial condition. -31- ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA Consolidated Balance Sheets - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ dollar amounts in millions - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ December 31 1998 1997 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 126.5 $ 31.9 Accounts receivable, less reserves of $1.5 and $2.0 134.7 146.2 Inventories 205.7 258.8 Prepaid expenses 8.1 8.9 Income tax refunds receivable 43.9 78.0 Deferred income taxes 93.2 73.0 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total current assets 612.1 596.8 Timber and timberlands, at cost less cost of timber harvested 499.0 634.2 Property, plant and equipment, at cost: Land, land improvements and logging roads, net of road amortization 150.4 185.6 Buildings 246.6 262.5 Machinery and equipment 1,663.2 1,876.3 Construction in progress 26.3 109.5 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2,086.5 2,433.9 Less accumulated depreciation (1,173.2) (1,242.1) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net property, plant and equipment 913.3 1,191.8 Goodwill, net of amortization 60.0 77.6 Notes receivable from asset sales 403.8 49.9 Other assets 30.9 28.1 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total assets $ 2,519.1 $ 2,578.4 ================================================================================================ See Notes to Financial Statements. -32- dollar amounts in millions, except per share - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ December 31 1998 1997 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $ 34.1 $ 22.9 Short-term notes payable - 22.0 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 192.5 234.4 Current portion of contingency reserves 140.0 40.0 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total current liabilities 366.6 319.3 Long-term debt, excluding current portion: Limited recourse notes payable 396.5 47.9 Other debt 63.3 524.4 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total long-term debt 459.8 572.3 Deferred income taxes 203.6 178.6 Contingency reserves, excluding current portion 228.0 184.0 Other long-term liabilities and minority interest 38.3 38.0 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' Equity: Common stock, $1 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 116,937,022 shares issued 117.0 117.0 Preferred stock, $1 par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued - - Additional paid-in capital 465.4 472.2 Retained earnings 918.8 977.5 Treasury stock, 9,663,976 shares and 7,309,360 shares, at cost (204.0) (163.4) Loans to Employee Stock Ownership Trusts (28.8) (37.7) Accumulated comprehensive income (loss) (45.6) (79.4) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total stockholders' equity 1,222.8 1,286.2 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $2,519.1 $2,578.4 ================================================================================================
See Notes to Financial Statements. -33- Consolidated Statements of Income - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- dollar amounts in millions, except per share - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- year ended December 31 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales $2,297.1 $2,402.5 $2,486.0 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Costs and expenses: Cost of sales 1,853.8 2,126.7 2,123.5 Depreciation and amortization 143.8 142.8 150.6 Cost of timber harvested 41.6 41.1 41.2 Selling and administrative 183.3 180.4 139.7 Unusual credits and charges, net 47.8 32.5 350.0 Interest expense, net of capitalized interest 37.5 30.9 14.2 Interest income (24.7) (1.9) (6.4) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total costs and expenses 2,283.1 2,552.5 2,812.8 Income (loss) before taxes and minority interest 14.0 (150.0) (326.8) Provision (benefit) for income taxes 15.8 (43.6) (125.6) Minority interest in net income (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries (3.8) (4.6) (.5) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income (loss) $ 2.0 $ (101.8) $ (200.7) ================================================================================================== Net income (loss) per share - basic and diluted $ .02 $ (.94) $ (1.87) ================================================================================================== Cash dividends per share of common stock $ .56 $ .56 $ .56 ================================================================================================== Average shares of common stock (millions) Basic 108.4 108.5 107.4 ================================================================================================== Diluted 108.6 108.5 107.4 ================================================================================================== See Notes to Financial Statements. -34- Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- dollar amounts in millions - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- year ended December 31 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income (loss) $ 2.0 $ (101.8) $ (200.7) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested 185.4 183.9 191.8 Unusual credits and charges, net 61.2 216.6 350.0 Cash settlements of contingencies (113.2) (204.8) (263.4) Other adjustments 11.2 (54.5) 3.8 Decrease (increase) in receivables (3.8) (4.0) 31.9 Decrease (increase) in inventories 7.1 12.8 31.1 Decrease (increase) in income tax refunds receivable 33.7 21.8 (99.5) Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses (4.0) 4.7 1.4 Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (64.2) (1.8) (1.6) Increase (decrease) in deferred income taxes 7.6 15.3 (22.0) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by operating activities 123.0 88.2 22.8 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Plant, equipment and logging road additions, including cash used in acquisitions (77.8) (154.8) (244.0) Timber and timberland additions (44.7) (49.7) (22.0) Assets sale proceeds 367.6 63.6 62.4 Other investing activities, net 1.3 1.0 (9.1) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 246.4 (139.9) (212.7) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIEs Net decrease in short-term notes payable (22.0) (13.4) (12.9) Long-term borrowings 348.6 228.4 262.7 Repayment of long-term debt (473.9) (101.0) (53.4) Cash dividends (60.7) (60.7) (60.1) Purchase of treasury stock (66.5) (2.9) - Loans to ESOTs (15.0) - - Treasury stock sold to ESOTs 15.0 - - Other financing activities, net (.3) 5.4 6.0 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (274.8) 55.8 142.3 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 94.6 4.1 (47.6) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 31.9 27.8 75.4 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 126.5 $ 31.9 $ 27.8 =================================================================================================
See Notes to Financial Statements. -35- Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity dollar and share amounts in millions - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Additional Common Stock Treasury Stock Paid-In Shares Amount Shares Amount Capital -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance as of December 31, 1995 116.9 $117.0 8.6 $(192.7) $472.4 Net income (loss) - - - - - Cash dividends, $.56 per share - - - - - Issuance of shares for employee stock plans and for other purposes - - (.4) 9.4 .3 Employee Stock Ownership Trust contribution - - - - - Currency translation adjustment - - - - - Other - - - - - - Other comprehensive income (loss) - - - - - Total comprehensive income (loss) - - - - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance as of December 31, 1996 116.9 $117.0 8.2 $(183.3) $472.7 Net income (loss) - - - - - Cash dividends, $.56 per share - - - - - Issuance of shares for employee stock plans and for other purposes - - (1.0) 22.8 (.5) Purchase of treasury stock - - .1 (2.9) - Employee Stock Ownership Trust contribution - - - - - Currency translation adjustment - - - - - Pension liability adjustment - - - - - Other - - - - - - Other comprehensive income (loss) - - - - - Total comprehensive income (loss) - - - - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance as of December 31, 1997 116.9 $117.0 7.3 $(163.4) $472.2 Net income (loss) - - - - - Cash dividends, $.56 per share - - - - - Issuance of shares for employee stock plans and for other purposes - - (1.1) 25.9 (6.8) Purchase of treasury stock - - 3.5 (66.5) - Employee Stock Ownership Trust contribution - - - - - Currency translation adjustment - - - - - Pension liability adjustment - - - - - Other - - - - - - Other comprehensive income - - - - - Total comprehensive income - - - - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance as of December 31, 1998 116.9 $117.0 9.7 $(204.0) $465.4 ================================================================================
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accumulated Total Retained Loans to Comprehensive Stockholders' Comprehensive Earnings ESOTs Income (Loss) Equity Income (Loss) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $1,400.8 $ (85.5) $ (56.0) $1,656.0 (200.7) - - (200.7) $(200.7) (60.1) - - (60.1) - - - - 9.7 - - 23.9 - 23.9 - - - - - 1.7 - - - - (2.9) ------- - - (1.2) (1.2) (1.2) ------- - - - - $(201.9) ================================================================================ $1,140.0 $ (61.6) $ (57.2) $1,427.6 (101.8) - - (101.8) $(101.8) (60.7) - - (60.7) - - - - 22.3 - - - - (2.9) - - 23.9 - 23.9 - - - - - (15.0) - - - - (8.2) - - - - 1.0 ------- - - (22.2) (22.2) (22.2) ------- - - - - $(124.0) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $977.5 $ (37.7) $ (79.4) $1,286.2 2.0 - - 2.0 2.0 (60.7) - - (60.7) - - (15.0) - 4.1 - - - - (66.5) - - 23.9 - 23.9 - - - - - 37.1 - - - - (4.2) - - - .9 ------- - - 33.8 33.8 33.8 ------- - - - - $35.8 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $918.8 $ (28.8) $ (45.6) $1,222.8 ================================================================================ See Notes to Financial Statements. -36- NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - ----------------------------- 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies NATURE OF OPERATIONS Louisiana-Pacific Corporation is a U.S.-based company principally engaged in the manufacture of building products, and to a lesser extent, market pulp. Through its foreign subsidiaries, the Company also maintains manufacturing facilities in Canada and Ireland. The principal customers for the Company's building products are retail home centers, builders, manufactured housing producers, distributors and wholesalers in North America, with minor sales to Asia and Europe. The principal customers for its pulp products are brokers in Asia and Europe, with minor sales in North America. A significant portion of L-P's sales are derived from wood-based structural products, including oriented strand board, plywood, lumber, engineered I-joists and laminated veneer lumber. See Note 10 to the financial statements for further information. USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates. See discussion of specific estimates in footnotes entitled "Income Taxes," "Retirement Plans," "Stock Options and Plans," "Unusual Credits and Charges, Net" and "Contingencies." PRINCIPLES OF PRESENTATION The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and all of its subsidiaries (L-P), after elimination of intercompany balances and transactions. EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic and diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods. The effect of potentially dilutive common stock equivalents (employee stock options and purchase plans) is not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share for years in which losses are reported because the effect is anti-dilutive. Shares held by L-P's Employee Stock Ownership Trusts (ESOTs) which were acquired by the ESOTs on or after January 1, 1994 and have not been allocated to participants' accounts, are not considered outstanding for purposes of computing earnings per share (1,206,671 shares at December 31, 1998, 763,786 shares at December 31, 1997 and 1,073,251 shares at December 31, 1996). CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS L-P considers all highly liquid securities with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash paid during 1998, 1997 and 1996 for interest (net of capitalized interest) was $40.5 million, $29.2 million and $13.4 million. Net cash received during 1998, 1997 and 1996 for income taxes was $25.5 million, $80.7 million and $4.1 million. L-P invests its excess cash with high quality financial institutions and, by policy, limits the amount of credit exposure at any one financial institution. In addition, L-P generally holds its cash investments until maturity and is therefore not subject to significant market risk. -37- INVENTORY VALUATION Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Inventory costs include material, labor and operating overhead. The LIFO (last-in, first-out) method is used for most log and lumber inventories with remaining inventories valued at FIFO (first-in, first-out) or average cost. Inventory quantities are determined on the basis of physical inventories, adjusted where necessary for intervening transactions from the date of the physical inventory to the end of the year. The major types of inventories are as follows: - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- dollar amounts in millions - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 31 1998 1997 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Logs $ 89.8 $112.4 Lumber 16.0 37.6 Panel products 49.4 56.6 Other building products 47.3 82.1 Pulp 14.9 15.3 Other raw materials 23.5 25.1 Supplies 17.4 21.3 LIFO reserve (52.6) (91.6) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $205.7 $258.8 =============================================================================== A reduction in LIFO inventories in 1998 resulted in a reduction of cost of sales of $15.8 million. TIMBER L-P follows an overall policy on fee timber that amortizes timber costs over the total fiber available during the estimated growth cycle as volume is harvested. Timber carrying costs, such as reforestation and forest management, are expensed as incurred. Cost of timber harvested includes not only the cost of fee timber, but also the amortization of the cost of long-term timber deeds. PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT L-P principally uses the units of production method of depreciation for machinery and equipment which amortizes the cost of equipment over the estimated units that will be produced during its useful life. Provisions for depreciation of buildings and the remaining machinery and equipment have been computed using straight-line rates based on the estimated service lives. The effective straight-line rates for the principal classes of property range from approximately 5 percent to 20 percent. Logging road construction costs are capitalized and included in land and land improvements. These costs are amortized as the timber volume adjacent to the road system is harvested. L-P capitalizes interest on borrowed funds during construction periods. Capitalized interest is charged to machinery and equipment accounts and amortized over the lives of the related assets. Interest capitalized during 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $1.6 million, $4.8 million and $7.1 million. L-P adopted American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position (SOP) 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-up Activities," in 1998. SOP 98-5 requires the cost of start-up activities and organization costs to be expensed as incurred. Start-up costs written off in 1998 were $3.5 million. No start-up costs were deferred in 1997 and $3.8 million were deferred during 1996. -38- STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Stock options and other stock-based compensation awards are accounted for using the intrinsic value method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations. ASSET IMPAIRMENTS Long-lived assets to be held and used by the Company and goodwill are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate costs may not be recoverable. Losses are recognized when the book values exceed expected undiscounted future cash flows. If impairment exists, the asset's book value is written down to its estimated realizable value. Assets to be disposed of are written down to their estimated fair value, less sales costs. See Note 7 to the financial statements for a discussion of charges in 1998, 1997 and 1996 related to impairments of property, plant and equipment. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" (SFAS 133). The new statement will require recognition of all financial instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value; changes to fair value will impact earnings either as gains or losses. SFAS 133 will be effective for L-P beginning January 1, 2000. L-P is currently determining the impact this statement will have on the Company's financial statements and related disclosures. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenues, costs, and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are shown in stockholders' equity under "Accumulated Comprehensive Income (Loss)." GOODWILL Goodwill has resulted from acquisitions and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 to 25 years. The amortization period of goodwill is periodically reviewed by the Company. Accumulated amortization was $8.6 million and $11.7 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997. NOTES RECEIVABLE Notes receivable from asset sales are related to transactions which occurred during 1997 and 1998. These notes provide collateral for L-P's limited recourse notes payable (see Note 4 to the financial statements). In 1997, the Company received $49.9 million in notes from a third party. The notes are due in principal payments of $20 million in 2008, $20 million in 2009, and $9.9 million in 2012. Interest is to be received in semi-annual installments with rates varying from 5.62% to 7.5%. In 1998, L-P received $353.9 million in notes from a third party. The notes are due in principal payments of $70.8 million in 2006, $54.3 million in 2008, $115.1 million in 2010, $91.4 million in 2013 and $22.3 million in 2018. The weighted average interest rate of the notes is 7%. L-P believes the carrying value of these notes approximates fair value at December 31, 1997 and believes the fair value at December 31, 1998 is approximately $410 million. RECLASSIFICATIONS Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. -39- 2. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- dollar amounts in millions - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 31 1998 1997 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accounts payable $127.3 $153.0 Salaries and wages payable 23.0 27.4 Taxes other than income taxes 5.0 8.7 Workers' compensation 13.1 13.5 Other accrued liabilities 24.1 31.8 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- $192.5 $234.4 ========================================================================= 3. Income Taxes Income (loss) before taxes and minority interest was taxed under the following jurisdictions: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- dollar amounts in millions - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- year ended December 31 1998 1997 1996 Domestic $ .1 $ (87.0) $(255.1) Foreign 13.9 (63.0) (71.7) ----- ------- ------- $14.0 $(150.0) $(326.8) ===== ======= ======= Provision (benefit) for income taxes includes the following: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- dollar amounts in millions - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- year ended December 31 1998 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current tax provision (benefit): U.S. federal $ 3.1 $ (65.0) $(87.4) State and local .3 (4.3) (10.0) Foreign (1.3) 3.6 12.2 Total current tax provision ------- -------- ------ (benefit) $ 2.1 $ (65.7) $(85.2) ======= ======== ====== Deferred tax provision (benefit): U.S. federal $ 59.6 $ 32.2 $2.6 State and local 6.3 3.4 .3 Foreign (52.2) (13.5) (43.3) ------- -------- ------ Total deferred tax provision (benefit) $ 13.7 $ 22.1 $(40.4) ======= ======== ====== -40- The tax effects of significant temporary differences creating deferred tax (assets) and liabilities at December 31 were as follows: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- dollar amounts in millions - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 31 1998 1997 Property, plant and equipment $ 116.6 $ 134.0 Timber and timberlands 148.0 166.2 Inventories (1.3) (4.2) Accrued liabilities (101.4) (84.1) Contingency reserves (142.4) (86.7) Benefit of capital loss and NOL carryovers (28.0) (27.8) Benefit of foreign ITC carryover (61.0) (62.3) Benefit of U.S. alternative minimum tax credit (20.0) - Installment sale gain deferral 147.1 18.5 Other 14.8 13.8 Valuation allowance 38.0 38.2 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net deferred tax liability 110.4 105.6 Less net current deferred tax assets (93.2) (73.0) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net noncurrent deferred tax liabilities $ 203.6 $ 178.6 ================================================================================ L-P's Canadian subsidiary, Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd. (LPC), has unrealized foreign investment tax credits (ITC) of approximately C$93 million (Canadian dollars). These credits can be carried forward to offset future tax of LPC and reduce LPC's basis in the related property, plant and equipment. The credits expire C$16 million in 1999, C$6 million in 2001, C$50 million in 2002, C$3 million in 2003, C$4 million in 2004, C$13 million in 2005 and C$1 million in 2006. The $28 million of capital loss and net operating loss (NOL) carryovers included in the above table consists of $22 million of state NOL carryovers which will expire in various years through 2013, and $6 million of Canadian capital loss carryovers which will not expire. U.S. taxes have not been provided on foreign subsidiaries' earnings of approximately $31.7 million which are deemed indefinitely reinvested. Quantification of the deferred tax liability, if any, associated with indefinitely reinvested earnings is not practical. The following table summarizes the differences between the statutory U.S. federal and effective income tax rates: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- year ended December 31 1998 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal tax rate 35% (35)% (35)% State and local income taxes 4 (4) (4) Nondeductible fines 51 - - Foreign tax credits used (35) - - Other foreign tax effects 19 6 - Nondeductible goodwill 41 (1) - Other, net (2) 5 1 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 113% (29)% (38)% ================================================================================ -41- 4. Long-term Debt - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ dollar amounts in millions - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Interest Rate at Dec. 31, December 31, 1998 1998 1997 Limited recourse notes payable - Senior secured notes, payable 2008-2012, interest rates fixed 7.1-7.5% $ 47.9 $ 47.9 Senior secured notes, payable 2006-2018, interest rates fixed 6.8-7.3 348.6 - Project bank financing - Waterford, Ireland, OSB plant, payable in Irish pounds through 2003, interest rate variable 7.3 28.1 32.9 Project revenue bond financings, payable through 2009, interest rates variable 4.4-7.3 25.6 26.0 Employee Stock Ownership Trust (ESOT) Loans Hourly ESOT, payable annually through 1999, interest rate fixed 8.3 8.5 17.0 Salaried ESOT, payable annually through 1999, interest rate variable 4.5 6.0 12.0 Bank credit facility Revolving credit facility, expires in 2002, interest rate variable - - 300.0 Term loan facility, repaid in 1998 - - 125.0 Montrose penalty liability, payable 2000-2002, interest rate fixed 5.4 25.0 - Other, including capital lease obligations, payable in varying amounts through 2010, interest rates vary 4.3-7.0 4.2 34.4 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total 493.9 595.2 Less current portion (34.1) (22.9) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net long-term debt $459.8 $572.3 ========================================================================================================================
L-P believes the carrying amounts of long-term debt approximate fair market value with the exception of limited recourse notes payable which L-P believes have a fair value of approximately $402 million at December 31, 1998. Project bank financings are typically secured by the underlying assets of the related project. The limited recourse notes payable are collateralized by notes receivable from asset sales. Many of L-P's loan agreements contain lender's standard covenants and restrictions. L-P was in compliance with all of the covenants and restrictions of these agreements at December 31, 1998. The exchange rate for the Irish pound was 1.48 U.S. dollars per pound at December 31, 1998. L-P issued $348.6 million of senior debt in June 1998 in a private placement to institutional investors. The notes mature in principal amounts of $69.7 million in 2006, $53.5 million in 2008, $113.4 million in 2010, $90.0 million in 2013 and $22.0 million in 2018. The notes are secured by $353.9 million of notes receivable from Simpson Timber Company. In the event of a default by Simpson, L-P would only be liable to pay 10% of the notes payable. At December 31, 1998, L-P had a $300 million unsecured facility with a group of banks which expires in 2002. L-P pays a commitment fee on the unused portion and there were no outstanding borrowings at year-end. Additionally, L-P's subsidiary L-P Canada Ltd. has a $30 million (Canadian) revolving credit facility. L-P Canada Ltd. pays a commitment fee on the unused portion but had no borrowings outstanding against the line at year-end. -42- The weighted average interest rate for all debt at December 31, 1998 and 1997 was 6.8 percent and 6.4 percent. Required repayment of principal for long-term debt is as follows: - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ dollar amounts in millions - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ year ended December 31 1999 $ 34.1 2000 14.5 2001 14.5 2002 14.3 2003 4.4 2004 and after 412.1 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total $493.9 ======================================================================== See Note 11 to the financial statements for a discussion of a proposed debt offering subsequent to year-end. 5. Retirement Plans L-P maintains tax-qualified Employee Stock Ownership Trusts (ESOTs) for eligible salaried and hourly employees in the U.S. under which 10 percent of the eligible employees' annual earnings are contributed to the trusts. Approximately 7,800 L-P employees participate in the ESOTs. The annual allocation of shares to participant accounts and compensation expense are generally based on the ESOTs' cost of the shares. However, as required, compensation expense for shares purchased by the ESOTs after 1993 is based on the market value of the shares at the time of allocation. L-P's ESOTs held a total of approximately 10.8 million shares at December 31, 1998 of which approximately 9.6 million were allocated to participants' accounts. ESOT expense is included in the retirement plan expense table below. L-P also maintains other defined contribution pension plans covering various groups of hourly and salaried employees in the U.S. and other countries. Contributions to the plans are generally computed by one of three methods: 1) L-P contribution required based upon a defined formula with no employee contributions allowed; 2) L-P contribution required based upon a defined formula with elective or mandatory employee contributions; and 3) elective employee contributions only with no L-P contribution allowed. L-P also has a number of defined benefit pension plans covering its hourly employees, most of which are frozen. Contributions to these plans are based on actuarial calculations of amounts to cover current pension and amortization of prior service costs over periods ranging from 10 to 20 years. Contributions to multiemployer defined benefit plans are specified in applicable collective bargaining agreements. L-P also has a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP), a non-qualified defined benefit plan intended to provide supplemental retirement benefits to key executives. Benefits are generally based on compensation in the years prior to retirement. The projected benefit obligation was $2.3 million at December 31, 1998. Expense for this plan is included in the retirement plan expense table below. L-P established a grantor trust to informally provide funding for the benefits payable under the SERP and a deferred compensation plan. During 1998, L-P contributed $4.4 million to the trust. The funds were invested in corporate-owned life insurance policies. At December 31, 1998, the trust assets were valued at $8.6 million and are included in other assets in L-P's consolidated balance sheet. -43- The status of L-P administered qualified defined benefit pension plans is as follows: - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- dollar amounts in millions - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 31 1998 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Plan with Plan with Plan with Plan with assets in accumulated assets in accumulated excess of benefits excess of benefits accumulated in excess accumulated in excess benefits of assets benefits of assets Projected and accumulated benefit obligation $11.8 $110.6 $11.2 $103.2 Plan assets 13.9 93.0 13.2 89.1 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net funded (unfunded) status 2.1 (17.6) 2.0 (14.1) Unrecognized asset at transition - (4.9) (.3) (6.5) Unrecognized net loss and other 3.7 34.8 3.9 29.3 Adjustment to recognize minimum liability - (29.9) - (22.9) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net prepaid (accrued) pension expense $5.8 $(17.6) $5.6 $(14.2) =======================================================================================================================
Retirement plans changes and components are as follows: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- dollar amounts in millions - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 31 1998 1997 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Change in Benefit Obligation Benefit obligation - January 1 $114 $104 Service cost 1 - Interest cost 8 8 Actual (gain)/loss 5 6 Benefits paid (6) (4) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Benefit obligation - December 31 $122 $114 ================================================================================ Change in Assets Fair value of assets - January 1 $102 $100 Actual return on plan assets 8 6 Employer contribution 3 - Participation contribution - - Benefits paid (6) (4) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fair value of assets - December 31 $107 $102 ================================================================================ Reconciliation of Funded Status Funded status $(15) $(12) Unrecognized actuarial (gain)/loss 37 31 Unrecognized prior service cost 1 2 Unrecognized obligation (asset) (5) (7) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost $ 18 $ 14 ================================================================================ Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of: Prepaid benefit cost $ 6 $ 5 Accrued benefit liability (18) (14) Deferred tax asset 12 9 Accumulated other comprehensive income 18 14 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net amount recognized $ 18 $ 14 ================================================================================ The actuarial assumptions used to determine pension expense and the funded status of the plans were: a discount rate on benefit obligations of 6.75% in 1998, 7.25% in 1997 and 7.75% in 1996; and an 8.75% expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for all three years. -44- Retirement plan expense included the following components: - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ dollar amounts in millions - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Year ended December 31 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Benefits earned by employees $ 1.1 $ .2 $ .5 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 7.9 7.9 8.3 Return on plan assets (9.2) (9.0) (10.9) Net amortization and deferral (.5) (1.0) (1.7) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net periodic pension expense (income) (.7) (1.9) (3.8) Expense related to ESOTs, multiemployer, defined contribution and non-qualified plans 26.0 28.8 29.1 Loss from settlement of pension plan - 7.3 - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net retirement plan expense $25.3 $34.2 $25.3 ================================================================================================
The assets of the plans at December 31, 1998 and 1997 consist of government obligations, equity securities and cash and cash equivalents. L-P has several plans which provide minimal postretirement benefits other than pensions. Net expense related to these plans was not significant. L-P does not generally provide post-employment benefits. 6. Stock Options and Plans The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" which establishes a fair value approach to measuring compensation expense related to employee stock plans for grants on or after January 1, 1995. As permitted by SFAS 123, L-P has elected to adopt only the disclosure provisions of the standard and has therefore recorded no compensation expense for certain stock option plans and all stock purchase plans. Had compensation expense for L-P's stock-based compensation plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under those plans consistent with the fair value methodology of SFAS 123, L-P's net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- dollar amounts in millions - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- year ended December 31 1998 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income (loss) As reported $ 2.0 $(101.8) $(200.7) Pro forma (4.0) (108.6) (206.0) Net income (loss) per share As reported $ .02 $ (.94) $ (1.87) Pro forma (.04) (1.00) (1.92) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the actual option terms with the following assumptions: a 2.5 percent to 3.2 percent dividend yield; expected volatility of 39 percent in 1998, 27 percent in 1997 and 27 percent in 1996; and a risk free interest rate of 5.3 percent in 1998, 6.6 percent in 1997 and 6.7 percent in 1996. -45- STOCK OPTION PLANS L-P grants options to key employees to purchase L-P common stock. Past options were granted at 85 to 100 percent of market price at the date of grant. The current stock award plan requires that options be granted at 100 percent of market price at the date of grant. The options become exercisable over 3 or 5 years beginning one year after the grant date and expire 5 or 10 years after the date of grant. At December 31, 1998, 4.9 million shares were available under the current stock award plan for future option grants and all other stock-based awards. Changes in options outstanding and exercisable were as follows: - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- share amounts in thousands Number of Shares - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- year ended December 31 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Options outstanding at January 1 2,373 1,678 1,370 Options granted 905 928 635 Options exercised (113) (155) (196) Options canceled (342) (78) (131) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Options outstanding at December 31 2,823 2,373 1,678 ================================================================================================= Options exercisable at December 31 1,170 912 763 ================================================================================================= Weighted Average Price Per Share - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- year ended December 31 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXERCISE PRICE Options granted $ 19.09 $ 19.97 $22.18 ================================================================================================= Options exercised $ 14.85 $ 13.91 $12.13 ================================================================================================= Options canceled $ 21.08 $ 24.21 $21.39 ================================================================================================= Options outstanding $ 18.11 $ 21.09 $21.14 ================================================================================================= Options exercisable $ 21.41 $ 21.09 $19.05 ================================================================================================= FAIR VALUE AT DATE OF GRANT Options granted $ 5.73 $ 6.05 $ 8.38 =================================================================================================
PERFORMANCE-CONTINGENT STOCK AWARDS L-P has granted performance-contingent stock awards to senior executives as allowed under the current stock award plan. The awards entitle the participant to receive a number of shares of L-P common stock determined by comparing L-P's cumulative total stockholder return to the mean total stockholder return of five other forest products companies for the four-year period beginning in the year of the award. Awards are granted at a target share level. Depending on L-P's four-year total stockholder return, the actual number of shares issued at the end of the four-year period could range from zero to 200 percent of this target. Changes in performance-contingent stock awards were as follows: - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of Shares - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- year ended December 31 1998 1997 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Target shares - awards outstanding at January 1 54,569 - Target shares - awards granted 64,064 54,569 Target shares - awards cancelled (21,263) - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Target shares - awards outstanding at December 31 97,370 54,569 ========================================================================= -46- STOCK PURCHASE PLANS L-P offers employee stock purchase plans to most employees. Under each plan, employees may subscribe to purchase shares of L-P stock over 24 months at 85 percent of the market price. At December 31, 1998, 336,769 shares and 276,761 shares were subscribed at $17.72 and $18.89 per share under the 1998 and 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plans. During 1998, L-P issued 150,601 shares to employees at an average price of $18.59 under all Employee Stock Purchase Plans. 7. Unusual Credits and Charges, Net The major components of "Unusual Credits and Charges, Net" in the statements of income for the years ended December 31, were as follows: - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- dollar amounts in millions - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- year ended December 31 1998 1997 1996 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Additions to contingency reserves $(284.5) $(169.0) $(100.0) Long-lived asset impairment charges (162.9) (35.0) (187.7) Gain on asset sales 381.3 55.6 - Gain on insurance recoveries 28.4 - - Gain on contract settlement - 135.0 - Severance and other (10.1) (19.1) (62.3) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- $(47.8) $(32.5) $(350.0) ============================================================================= 1998 - ---- In 1998, L-P increased its reserves for litigation and environmental liabilities by $284.5 million. Of this total, $257.7 million related to adjustments to current estimates of liabilities for product-related litigation and legal costs, including enhancements to the national siding class-action settlement. Current estimates are based on management's regular monitoring of changes in the facts and circumstances surrounding the various legal and environmental matters and related accruals. Additional charges were taken for the settlement of the Montrose criminal matter and adjustments to current estimates of environmental liabilities and other litigation. See Note 8 to the financial statements for a further discussion of significant litigation and environmental matters. L-P recorded long-lived asset impairment charges totaling $162.9 million on its pulp mill in Chetwynd, British Columbia, a roof shake plant in California, logging roads in Alaska and the assets of the Creative Point, Inc. subsidiary. As part of the process of disposing of or liquidating the Chetwynd pulp mill, L-P determined that the net realizable value of the assets was less than the carrying cost. Although management is aggressively pursuing disposal or liquidation, due to market conditions the timing of such disposal or liquidation is not presently determinable. The total asset write-down related to Chetwynd was $136.1 million, including the cumulative translation adjustment of $50.2 million previously recorded within stockholders' equity. The operating loss of this facility in 1998 was approximately $23 million. The roof shake plant was part of the portfolio of California assets announced for sale in October 1997. After various attempts to dispose of the assets, L-P decided to permanently shut down the operation which resulted in an additional write-down of $14.8 million. The operating loss of this facility was approximately $5 million in 1998. The logging roads in Alaska are assets which will be held and used, primarily in 1999. Based on the planned operating budget of the Alaska operations, it was determined that a write-down of $10.0 million was necessary to reduce the carrying amount of the assets to the recoverable value. The operating results for these specific assets are not identifiable. The write-down of the Creative Point, Inc. subsidiary assets was $2 million which was determined at the time L-P entered into an agreement to sell the assets. The asset sale occurred in 1998. The operating loss of this subsidiary was approximately $4 million in 1998. The net carrying amount of the above assets to be disposed of was approximately $87 million after the write-downs were recorded. -47- In 1998, L-P recorded gains on the sale of assets in the amount of $381.3 million. Total proceeds from the sale of assets were $729.0 million, consisting of $367.6 million of cash and $361.4 million of notes receivable. Assets sold during the year were primarily those identified for sale in 1997, including timber and timberlands, sawmills and distribution centers in California, and the Weather-Seal window and door operations. L-P recovered $28.4 million, net of certain professional fees, from several of its insurance carriers for costs incurred in defending and settling the product class-action lawsuits. Charges for severance and other costs, primarily at the roof shake plant, totaled $10.1 million in 1998. The severance charges were $.5 million for approximately 110 employees of the roof shake facility (as of December 31, 1998 $.3 million had been paid and charged against the liability). Included in the total are inventory write-downs and other shut-down related costs at the roof shake plant totaling $6.1 million. Additionally, L-P wrote off $3.5 million of deferred start-up costs upon adoption of a new accounting standard. 1997 - ---- In 1997, L-P increased its reserves for litigation and environmental liabilities by $169.0 million. Of this total, $165.0 million related to adjustments to then current estimates of liabilities for product-related litigation and legal costs (these estimates were subsequently revised in 1998). Additional charges of $4 million were taken for adjustment of environmental liabilities in Alaska. See Note 8 to the financial statements for a further discussion of significant litigation and environmental matters. L-P recorded long-lived asset impairment charges totaling $35.0 million on the assets of its subsidiary in Ireland and the roof shake plant in California (this estimate was subsequently revised in 1998). L-P began reviewing options for disposing of the assets in Ireland and determined that an impairment charge was appropriate. Although management is aggressively pursuing disposal options, the timing of such disposal is not presently determinable. The total asset write-down for this facility was $15.0 million. L-P's share of this subsidiary's loss in 1997 was approximately $5 million. The roof shake plant was part of the portfolio of California assets announced for sale in October 1997. As discussed above, this asset was not sold due to market conditions and was permanently shut-down in 1998. Based on then current estimates, the asset was written-down $20 million. The operating loss of this facility was approximately $4 million in 1997. The net carrying amount of the above assets to be disposed of was approximately $64 million after the write-downs were recorded. In 1997, L-P recorded gains on the sale of assets in the amount of $55.6 million. The gains resulted from the sale of tracts of timber and timberland in California. L-P's Ketchikan Pulp Company subsidiary (KPC) recorded a gain of $135.0 million to reflect the initial proceeds received under a settlement agreement with the U.S. Government over KPC's claims of damages related to its long-term timber supply contract in Alaska. Charges for severance and other costs totaled $19.1 million in 1997. Adjustments to charges for the closure of KPC operations, originally announced in 1996, amounted to $10.3 million, including a credit adjustment to estimated severance amounts of $3.5 million. The remaining amount of $8.8 million related to accruals for other costs incurred. 1996 - ---- In 1996, L-P increased its reserves for litigation and environmental liabilities by $100.0 million. Of this total, $45.0 million related to the net settlement cost of shareholder class-action litigation. Liabilities for product-related litigation and legal costs were adjusted to then current estimates which resulted in charges of $40.0 million (these estimates were subsequently revised in 1997 and 1998). A charge for environmental costs of $15.0 million related to the shut-down of KPC operations was also taken in 1996. -48- L-P recorded long-lived asset impairment charges totaling $187.7 million related to the KPC operations, nine sawmills in various states, two OSB plants, two fiber gypsum plants, two plants in Mexico and certain other equipment throughout L-P's operations. L-P's management determined that these facilities were non-strategic and therefore would be either sold or liquidated. The write-downs by class of asset were $125.0 million related to KPC assets, $5.7 million related to sawmills, $15.8 million related to OSB plants, $17.5 million related to Canadian pulp operations, $15.0 million related to fiber gypsum plants and $8.7 million related to other plants and equipment. The identifiable losses related to these impaired assets totaled approximately $64 million in 1996. The net carrying amount of the above assets to be disposed of was approximately $82 million after the write-downs were recorded. Charges for severance and other costs totaled $62.3 million in 1996. Of this total, $33.2 million related to the announced shut-down of KPC operations, including $15 million for severance of approximately 830 employees. Of this charge, $2.0 million, $7.7 million and $.1 million was paid and charged against the liability in 1998, 1997 and 1996 and $1.7 million remains in the liability at the end of 1998. As noted above, the liability for severance was revised in 1997. Inventory write-downs totaled $16.7 million, which were also primarily related to the announced closure of KPC operations. The remaining amount of $12.4 million related to accruals for other costs incurred. 8. Contingencies ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEEDINGS In March 1995, KPC entered into agreements with the federal government to resolve the issues related to water and air compliance problems experienced at KPC's pulp mill during the late 1980's and early 1990's. In addition to civil and criminal penalties that have been paid, KPC also agreed to undertake up to $20 million in expenditures, which are primarily capital in nature, including certain remedial and pollution control related measures. While the Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") and KPC have agreed that the closure of the pulp mill in May 1997 eliminated the need for many of the pollution control related measures, court approval is required for relief from these requirements. As part of the agreements, KPC is in the process of studying Ward Cove, the body of water adjacent to the former mill site, to determine whether cleanup of cove sediments is necessary. KPC may be required to spend approximately $4 to $6 million in addition to the approximately $2 million already spent on this project, as part of the $20 million discussed above. KPC also signed an agreement with the State of Alaska and the EPA to investigate and, if necessary, clean up the property on which the pulp mill was formerly located. KPC has completed the investigative portion of this project at a cost of approximately $1.5 million. Some cleanup has already occurred, with additional cleanup scheduled to be completed by mid-1999. Anticipated costs of previous and scheduled cleanup may be up to $1 million. Other areas may need to be cleaned up; no cost estimates of such additional cleanups have yet been made. KPC has completed the closure of a landfill near Thorne Bay, Alaska, pursuant to an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service (the "USFS"). Costs of the project totaled approximately $6 million. KPC is also monitoring leachate from the landfill in order to evaluate whether treatment of the leachate is necessary. Certain L-P plant sites have, or are suspected of having, substances in the ground or in the groundwater underlying the sites that are considered pollutants. Appropriate corrective action or plans for corrective action are underway. Where the pollutants were caused by previous owners of the property, L-P is vigorously pursuing those parties through legal channels as well as insurance coverage under all applicable policies. -49- L-P maintains a reserve for estimated environmental loss contingencies. The balance of the reserve was $27.9 million and $29.3 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Due to the nature of these liabilities, uncertainty exists in the reliability and precision of the estimates because the facts and circumstances surrounding each contingency vary significantly from case to case. L-P continually monitors its estimated exposure for environmental liabilities and adjusts its accrual accordingly. As additional information about the environmental contingencies becomes known, L-P's estimate of its liability for environmental loss contingencies may change significantly, although no estimate of the range of any potential adjustment of the liability can be made at this time. L-P cannot estimate the time frame over which these accrued amounts are likely to be paid out. A portion of L-P's environmental reserve is related to liabilities for cleanup of properties which are currently owned or have been owned in the past by L-P. Certain of these sites are subject to cost sharing arrangements with other parties who were also involved in the site. L-P does not believe that any of these cost sharing arrangements will result in additional material liability to L-P due to non-performance by the other party. Although L-P's policy is to comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations, the Company has, in the past, been required to pay fines for non-compliance. In some instances, litigation has resulted from contested environmental actions. Also, L-P is involved in other environmental actions and proceedings which could result in fines or penalties. Based on the information currently available, management believes that any fines, penalties or other losses resulting from the matters discussed above in excess of the reserve for environmental loss contingencies will not have a material adverse effect on the business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows or liquidity of L-P. COLORADO CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS In June 1995, a federal grand jury returned an indictment in the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado, against L-P in connection with alleged environmental violations, as well as alleged fraud in connection with the submission of unrepresentative oriented strand board (OSB) product samples to an industry product certification agency, by L-P's Montrose (Olathe), Colorado OSB plant. In connection with entering a guilty plea as to certain criminal violations in May 1998, L-P agreed to pay total penalties of $37 million (including making $500,000 in charitable contributions), of which $12 million has been paid, and was sentenced to five years of probation. The $25 million balance of the fine is payable in three equal installments, together with accrued interest, beginning July 1, 2000 and is secured by a statutory lien. All remaining charges against L-P were dismissed. In December 1995, L-P received a notice of suspension from the EPA stating that, because of the criminal proceedings pending against L-P in Colorado, the Montrose facility would be prohibited from purchasing timber directly from the USFS. In April 1998, L-P signed a Settlement and Compliance Agreement with the EPA. This agreement formally lifted the 1995 suspension imposed on the Montrose facility. The agreement has a term of five years and obligates L-P to develop and implement certain corporate policies and programs, including such measures as a policy of cooperation with the EPA, an employee disclosure program and a policy of nonretaliation against employees, to conduct its business to the best of its ability in accordance with federal laws and regulations and local and state environmental laws, to report significant violations of law to the EPA, and to conduct at least two audits of its compliance with the agreement. A number of the compliance requirements have been completed. -50- OSB SIDING MATTERS L-P has been named as a defendant in numerous class action and non-class action proceedings, brought on behalf of various persons or purported classes of persons (including nationwide classes in the United States and Canada) who own or have purchased or used OSB siding manufactured by L-P, because of alleged unfair business practices, breach of warranty, misrepresentation, conspiracy to defraud, and other theories related to alleged defects, deterioration, or failure of OSB siding products. The United States District Court for the District of Oregon gave final approval to a settlement between L-P and a nationwide class composed of all persons who own, have owned, or subsequently acquire property on which L-P's OSB siding was installed prior to January 1, 1996, excluding persons who timely opted out of the settlement and persons who are members of the settlement class in the Florida litigation described below. Under the settlement agreement, an eligible claimant whose claim is filed prior to January 1, 2003 (or earlier in certain cases) and is approved by an independent claims administrator, is entitled to receive from the settlement fund established under the agreement a payment equal to the replacement cost (determined by a third-party construction cost estimator and currently estimated to be in the range of $2.20 to $6.40 per square foot depending on the type of product and geographic location) of damaged siding, reduced by a specific adjustment (of up to 65 percent) based on the age of the siding. Class members who previously submitted or resolved claims under any other warranty or claims program of L-P may be entitled to receive the difference between the amount payable under the settlement agreement and the amount previously paid. The extent of damage to OSB siding at each claimant's property is determined by an independent adjuster in accordance with a specified protocol. Settlement payments are not subject to adjustment for improper maintenance or installation. A claimant who is dissatisfied with the amount to be paid under the settlement may elect to pursue claims against L-P in a binding arbitration seeking compensatory damages without regard to the amount of payment calculated under the settlement protocol. A claimant who elects to pursue an arbitration claim must prove his entitlement to damages under any available legal theory, and L-P may assert any available defense, including defenses that otherwise had been waived under the settlement agreement. If the arbitrator reduces the damage award otherwise payable to the claimant because of a finding of improper installation, the claimant may pursue a claim against the contractor/builder to the extent the award was reduced. The settlement requires L-P to pay $275 million into the settlement fund in seven annual installments beginning in mid-1996: $100 million, $55 million, $40 million, $30 million, $20 million, $15 million, and $15 million. As of December 31, 1998, L-P had funded the first three installments. L-P also had funded a significant portion of the last four installments through the Early Payment Program discussed below. If at any time after the fourth year of the settlement period the amount of approved claims (paid and pending) were to equal or exceed $275 million, then the settlement agreement would terminate as to all claims in excess of $275 million unless L-P timely elects to provide additional funding within 12 months thereafter equal to the lesser of (i) the excess of unfunded claims over $275 million or (ii) $50 million and, if necessary to satisfy unfunded claims, a second payment within 24 months equal to the lesser of (i) the remaining unfunded amount or (ii) $50 million. If the total payments to the settlement fund are insufficient to satisfy in full all approved claims filed prior to January 1, 2003, then L-P may elect to satisfy the unfunded claims by making additional payments into the settlement fund at the end of each of the next two 12-month periods or until all claims are paid in full, with each additional payment being in an amount equal to the greater of (i) 50 percent of the aggregate sum of all remaining unfunded approved claims or (ii) 100 percent of the aggregate amount of unfunded approved claims, up to a maximum of $50 million. If L-P fails to make any such additional payment, all class members whose claims remain unsatisfied from the settlement fund may pursue any available legal remedies against L-P without regard to the release of claims provided in the settlement agreement. -51- If L-P makes all payments required under the settlement agreement, including all additional payments as specified above, class members will be deemed to have released L-P from all claims for damaged OSB siding, except for claims arising under their existing 25-year limited warranty after termination of the settlement agreement. The settlement agreement does not cover consequential damages resulting from damage to OSB Inner-Seal siding or damage to utility grade OSB siding (sold without any express warranty), either of which could create additional claims. In addition to payments to the settlement fund, L-P was required to pay fees of class counsel in the amount of $26.25 million, as well as expenses of administering the settlement fund and inspecting properties for damage and certain other costs. After accruing interest on undisbursed funds and deducting class notification costs, prior claims costs (including payments advanced to homeowners in urgent circumstances) and payment of claims under the settlement, as of December 31, 1998, approximately $5.8 million remained of the $195 million paid into the fund to date. The claims submitted to the claims administrator to date substantially exceed the $275 million of payments that L-P is required to make under the settlement agreement. As calculated under the terms of the settlement, claims submitted and inspected exceeded $500 million at December 31, 1998 compared to $475 million at September 30, 1998. Both figures include approximately $18 million of claims paid directly by L-P to claimants under the settlement agreement prior to the establishment of the settlement fund. L-P has not decided whether it will provide the optional funding discussed above in excess of the required $275 million after the fourth year of the settlement, to the extent that it still remains an issue following implementation of the Early Payment Program and Second Settlement Fund discussed below, under which L-P effectively has paid a substantial portion of the claims that otherwise potentially would have been payable out of the first two $50 million optional payments. Under the terms of the settlement, L-P must make a decision regarding the optional funding by August 2000. As an alternative to making additional payments, L-P could elect to pursue other options, including allowing the settlement agreement to terminate, thereby entitling claimants with unsatisfied claims to pursue available legal remedies against L-P. On October 26, 1998, L-P announced an agreement to offer early payments to eligible claimants who have submitted valid and approved claims under the original settlement agreement (the "Early Payment Program") and to establish an additional $125 million fund to pay all other approved claims that are filed before December 31, 1999 (the "Second Settlement Fund"). The Early Payment Program applies to all claimants who are entitled to be paid from the $80 million of mandatory payments that remain to be paid under the settlement and to all claimants who otherwise would be paid from the proceeds of the two optional $50 million payments that L-P may elect to make under the settlement. The early payments from the $80 million are discounted at a rate of 9% per annum calculated from their original payment dates (1999-2002) to the date the early payment offer was made. The early payments from the two $50 million optional contributions are discounted at a rate of 12% per annum calculated from 2001 and 2002. Claimants may accept or reject the discounted early payments in favor of remaining under the original settlement, but may not arbitrate the amount of their early payments. As of December 31, 1998, $106.7 million in Early Payment Program checks had been mailed and $60.8 million had been cashed in settlement of claims. The $125 million Second Settlement Fund represents an alternative source of payment for all approved claims not eligible for the Early Payment Program and all new claims filed before December 31, 1999. In early 2000, claimants electing to participate in the Second Settlement Fund will be offered a pro rata share of the fund in complete satisfaction of their claims, which they may accept or reject in favor of remaining under the original settlement. Claimants who accept their pro rata share may not file additional claims under the settlement or arbitrate the amount of their payments. Claimants who elect not to participate in the Second Settlement Fund remain bound by the terms of the original settlement. If L-P is dissatisfied with the number of claimants who elect to be paid from the Second Settlement Fund, L-P may refuse to proceed with funding at its sole option. In that event, the Second Settlement Fund will be canceled and all the claimants who had elected to participate in it will be governed by the original settlement. -52- A settlement of a related class action in Florida was approved by the Circuit Court for Lake County, Florida, on October 4, 1995. Under the settlement, L-P has established a claims procedure pursuant to which members of the settlement class may report problems with L-P's OSB siding and have their properties inspected by an independent adjuster, who will measure the amount of damage and also determine the extent to which improper design, construction, installation, finishing, painting, and maintenance may have contributed to any damage. The maximum payment for damaged siding is $3.40 per square foot for lap siding and $2.82 per square foot for panel siding, subject to reduction by up to 75 percent for damage resulting from improper design, construction, installation, finishing, painting, or maintenance, and also subject to reduction for age of siding more than three years old. L-P has agreed that the deduction from the payment to a member of the Florida class will be not greater than the deduction computed for a similar claimant under the national settlement agreement described above. Class members will be entitled to make claims until October 4, 2000. L-P maintains reserves for the estimated costs of these siding settlements, although, as with any estimate, there is uncertainty concerning the actual costs to be incurred. The discussion herein notes some of the factors, in addition to the inherent uncertainty of predicting the outcome of claims and litigation, that could cause actual costs to vary materially from current estimates. Due to the various uncertainties, L-P cannot predict to what degree actual payments under the settlement agreements, or any alternative strategies adopted by L-P, will materially exceed the recorded liability related to these matters, although it is possible that, in the near term, total estimated payments will significantly exceed the recorded liabilities. OTHER PROCEEDINGS L-P and its subsidiaries are parties to other legal proceedings. Management believes that the outcome of such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or liquidity of L-P. CONTINGENCY RESERVES L-P maintains contingency reserves in addition to the environmental reserves discussed above. The balance of contingency reserves, exclusive of the environmental reserves discussed above, was $340.1 million and $194.7 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. L-P regularly monitors its estimated exposure to contingencies and adjusts its accrual accordingly. The amounts ultimately paid could differ materially from the amounts currently recorded, although no estimate of the timing or range of any potential adjustment can be made at this time. -53- 9. Commitments L-P is obligated to purchase timber under certain cutting contracts which extend to 2004. L-P's best estimate of its commitment at current contract rates under these contracts is approximately $14.7 million for approximately 144 million board feet of timber. Payments under all operating leases that were charged to expense during 1998, 1997, and 1996 were $17.7 million, $17.5 million and $17.0 million. Future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases are not significant. 10. Segment Information L-P, a major supplier of building products, operates through several business units with their own management teams. The business units have been aggregated into five reportable segments based on the similarity of economic characteristics, customers, distribution methods and manufacturing processes. Export sales are primarily to customers in Asia and Europe. Information about L-P's geographic segments is as follows: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- dollar amounts in millions - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- year ended December 31 1998 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total sales - point of origin U.S. $2,212 $2,330 $2,389 Canada and other 166 128 162 Intersegment sales to U.S. (81) (55) (65) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total sales $2,297 $2,403 $2,486 ================================================================================ Export sales (included above) $ 128 $ 240 $ 268 ================================================================================ Profit (loss) U.S. $ 273 $39 $ 107 Canada and other (104) (48) (24) Unusual credits and charges, net1 (48) (32) (350) General corporate expense and interest, net (107) (109) (60) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income (loss) before taxes and minority interest $ 14 $(150) $(327) ================================================================================ Identifiable assets U.S. $2,279 $2,220 $2,228 Canada and other 240 358 394 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets $2,519 $2,578 $2,622 ================================================================================ -54- Information about L-P's product segments is as follows: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- dollar amounts in millions - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- year ended December 31 1998 1997 1996 Total Sales Structural products $1,374 $1,294 $1,408 Exterior products 107 103 99 Industrial panel products 175 181 195 Specialty and other products 566 695 607 Pulp 75 130 177 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total sales $2,297 $2,403 $2,486 ================================================================================ Profit (Loss) Structural products $ 199 $ 22 $ 135 Exterior products 22 9 17 Industrial panel products 6 13 31 Specialty and other products (20) (24) (9) Pulp (38) (29) (91) Unusual credits and charges, net1 (48) (32) (350) General corporate and other expense, net (94) (80) (52) Interest, net (13) (29) (8) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income (loss) before taxes and minority interest $ 14 $ (150) $ (327) ================================================================================ 1 See Note 7 to the financial statements for an explanation of unusual credits and charges, net. -55- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- dollar amounts in millions - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- year ended December 31 1998 1997 1996 Identifiable Assets Structural products $ 927 $1,105 $1,079 Exterior products 46 45 41 Industrial panel products 124 175 179 Specialty and other products 255 302 314 Pulp 178 266 166 Non-segment related 989 685 843 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets $2,519 $2,578 $2,622 ================================================================================ Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested Structural products $ 105 $ 114 $ 107 Exterior products 7 4 6 Industrial panel products 5 6 6 Specialty and other products 27 26 25 Pulp 12 14 10 Non-segment related 29 20 38 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested $ 185 $ 184 $ 192 ================================================================================ Capital expenditures Structural products $ 87 $ 116 $ 115 Exterior products 1 5 8 Industrial panel products 2 6 9 Specialty and other products 18 52 48 Pulp 7 4 36 Non-segment related 8 22 50 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total capital expenditures $ 123 $ 205 $ 266 ================================================================================ 11. Subsequent Events On January 25, 1999, L-P commenced a tender offer to purchase all outstanding shares of ABT Building Products Corporation (ABT) for $15 per share. On February 25, 1999, L-P and ABT merged following the successful completion of the tender offer. L-P acquired approximately 10.7 million shares of ABT for cash proceeds of approximately $160 million. In March 1999, L-P filed a shelf registration statement for $500 million of debt securities to be offered from time to time in one or more series. The amount, price and other terms of any such offering will be determined on the basis of market conditions and other factors existing at the time of such offering. The proceeds from the sale of such securities are anticipated to be used by L-P for general corporate purposes, which may include repayment of debt, including debt incurred in the acquisition of ABT. -56- Independent Auditors' Report - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP Portland, Oregon January 29, 1999 (February 25, 1999 as to the first paragraph of Note 11) -57- REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation: We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (a Delaware corporation) for the year ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the statement of income is free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP Portland, Oregon, January 31, 1997 -58- ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT Information regarding L-P's directors is incorporated herein by reference to the material included under the caption "Item 1--Election of Directors" in the definitive proxy statement filed by L-P for its 1999 annual meeting of stockholders (the "1999 Proxy Statement"). Information regarding L-P's executive officers is located in Part I of this report under the caption "Executive Officers of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation." Information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is incorporated herein by reference to the material included under the caption "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the 1999 Proxy Statement. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Information regarding executive compensation is incorporated herein by reference to the material under the captions "Compensation Committee--Interlocks and Insider Participation," "Compensation of Executive Officers," "Retirement Benefits," "Directors' Compensation," and "Agreements with Executive Officers" in the 1999 Proxy Statement. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated herein by reference to the material under the caption "Holders of Common Stock" in the 1999 Proxy Statement. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS Information regarding management transactions is incorporated herein by reference to the material under the captions "Compensation Committee--Interlocks and Insider Participation" and "Management Transactions" in the 1999 Proxy Statement. PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K A. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES The following financial statements of L-P are included in this report: Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 1998, and 1997. Consolidated Statements of Income--years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996. -59- Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity--years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996. Notes to Financial Statements. Reports of Independent Public Accountants. No financial statement schedules are required to be filed. B. REPORTS ON FORM 8-K No reports on Form 8-K were filed by L-P during the quarter ended December 31, 1998. C. EXHIBITS The exhibits filed as part of this report or incorporated by reference herein are listed in the accompanying exhibit index. Each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement is identified in the index. -60- SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "registrant"), has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Date: March 18, 1999 LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION (Registrant) /s/ CURTIS M. STEVENS Curtis M. Stevens Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer ------------------------------------- Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Date Signature and Title - ---- ------------------- March 18, 1999 /s/ MARK A. SUWYN ------------------------------- Mark A. Suwyn Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board, Director (Principal Executive Officer) March 18, 1999 /s/ CURTIS M. STEVENS -------------------------------- Curtis M. Stevens Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial & Accounting Officer) -61- Date Signature and Title March 18, 1999 /s/ JOHN W. BARTER ------------------------------- John W. Barter Director March 18, 1999 /s/ WILLIAM C. BROOKS ------------------------------- William C. Brooks Director March 18, 1999 /s/ ARCHIE W. DUNHAM ------------------------------- Archie W. Dunham Director March 18, 1999 /s/ PAUL W. HANSEN -------------------------------- Paul W. Hansen Director March 18, 1999 /s/ BONNIE G. HILL --------------------------------- Bonnie G. Hill Director March 18, 1999 /s/ DONALD R. KAYSER -------------------------------- Donald R. Kayser Director March 18, 1999 /s/ PATRICK F. MCCARTAN -------------------------------- Patrick F. McCartan Director March 18, 1999 /s/ LEE C. SIMPSON -------------------------------- Lee C. Simpson Director -62- EXHIBIT INDEX On written request, Louisiana-Pacific Corporation ("L-P") will furnish to any record holder or beneficial holder of its common stock any exhibit to this report upon the payment of a fee equal to L-P's costs of copying such exhibit plus postage. Any such request should be sent to: Ward Hubbell, Director of Corporate Affairs, Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, 111 S.W. Fifth Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97204. Items identified with an asterisk (*) are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements. EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT - ------- ---------------------- 2.1 Purchase Agreement by and between L-P, LPS Corporation, L-P Redwood, LLC, Louisiana-Pacific Samoa, Inc., and Simpson Timber Company and Simpson Investment Company dated as of May 1, 1998. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to L-P's Form 10-Q report for the quarter ended March 31, 1998. 2.2 Purchase Agreement by and between LPS Corporation, L-P Redwood, LLC, and Sansome Forest Partners, L.P., dated as of May 1, 1998. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to L-P's Form 10-Q report for the quarter ended March 31, 1998. 2.3 Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of January 19, 1999, by and among ABT Building Products Corporation, L-P and Striper Acquisition, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (c)(1) to L-P's Schedule 14D-1 filed January 25, 1999. 3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation as amended to date. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to L-P's Form 10-Q report for the quarter ended June 30, 1993. 3.2 Bylaws of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation as amended July 25, 1998. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to L-P's Form 10-Q report for the quarter ended June 30, 1998. 4.1 Rights Agreement, dated as of May 26, 1998, between L-P and First Chicago Trust Company of New York as Rights Agent, including the form of Right Certificate as Exhibit A and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares as Exhibit B. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to L-P's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed May 26, 1998. Pursuant to Item 601 (b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, L-P is not filing certain instruments with respect to its long-term debt because the amount authorized under any such instrument does not exceed 10 percent of L-P's total consolidated assets at December 31, 1998. L-P agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request. 4.2 Credit Agreement dated as of January 31, 1997, among L-P, Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd., Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association ("Bank of America") and the other financial institutions that are parties thereto. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.A.2 to L-P's Form 10-K report for 1996. -63- Exhibit Description of Exhibit - ------- ---------------------- 4.3 Consent and First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of December 31, 1997, among L-P, Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd., Louisiana-Pacific Canada Pulp Co., Bank of America and the other financial institutions that are parties thereto. 4.4 Note Purchase Agreement among L-P, L-P SPV2, LLC, and the Purchasers listed therein dated June 30, 1998. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to L-P's Form 10-Q report for the quarter ended June 30, 1998. 10.1 1984 Employee Stock Option Plan as amended. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.A to L-P's Form 10-K report for 1996.* 10.2 1991 Employee Stock Option Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.B to L-P's Form 10-K report for 1996.* 10.3 1992 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (restated as of May 3, 1998) and Related Form of Option Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to L-P's Form 10-Q report for the quarter ended March 31, 1998.* 10.4 Non-Employee Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan effective July 1, 1997. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.D to L-P's Form 10-K report for 1997.* 10.5 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan effective May 1, 1997. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.P to L-P's Form 10-K report for 1997.* 10.6 1997 Incentive Stock Award Plan as restated as of May 3, 1998.* 10.7 Forms of Award Agreements for Non-Qualified Stock Options and Performance Shares under the 1997 Incentive Stock Award Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.F(2) to L-P's Form 10-K report for 1996.* 10.8 Annual Cash Incentive Award Plan effective March 1, 1997. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.F(3) to L-P's Form 10-K report for 1996.* 10.9 L-P's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan effective July 1, 1997. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.H to L-P's Form 10-K report for 1997.* 10.10 Employment Agreement between L-P and Mark A. Suwyn dated January 2, 1996. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.L to L-P's Form 10-K report for 1995.* 10.11 Restricted Stock Award Agreement between L-P and Mark A. Suwyn dated January 31, 1996. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.J to L-P's Form 10-K report for 1997.* 10.12 1997 Cash Incentive Award for Mark A. Suwyn adopted March 11, 1997. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.K to L-P's Form 10-K report for 1996.* -64- Exhibit Description of Exhibit - ------- ---------------------- 10.13 Letter agreement dated April 19, 1996, with Michael D. Hanna, with respect to attached employment agreement dated January 15, 1995, between Mr. Hanna and Associated Chemists, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.L to L-P's Form 10-K report for 1996.* 10.14 Executive Employment Agreement effective as of January 1, 1997, by and between L-P and Karen D. Lundquist. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.M to L-P's Form 10-K report for 1996.* 10.15 Letter agreement dated August 14, 1997, relating to the employment of Gary C. Wilkerson. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.N to L-P's Form 10-K report for 1997.* 10.16 Letter agreement dated July 16, 1997, relating to the employment of Curtis M. Stevens. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.O to L-P's Form 10-K report for 1997.* 10.17 Form of Change of Control Employment Agreement between L-P and each of J. Ray Barbee, Warren Easley, Richard W. Frost, Keith Matheney, Curt Stevens, Mark A. Suwyn, Michael J. Tull, and Gary C. Wilkerson. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to L-P's Form 10-Q report for the quarter ended March 31, 1998.* 10.18 Separation Agreement between Michael D. Hanna and L-P dated October 29, 1998.* 10.19 Separation Agreement between L-P and Karen Lundquist Malkewitz dated October 28, 1998.* 10.20 Supplemental Funding Agreement dated October 26, 1998, between L-P and counsel for plaintiffs in siding class action litigation. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to L-P's Form 10-Q report for the quarter ended September 30, 1998. 21 List of L-P's subsidiaries. 23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP. 23.2 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP. 27 Financial data schedule. -65-

    THIS CONSENT AND FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT ("Amendment"), dated as
of December 31,  1997,  is entered into by  LOUISIANA-PACIFIC  CORPORATION  (the
"Revolving    Borrower"),     LOUISIANA-PACIFIC     CANADA    LTD.    ("OLDCO"),
LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CANADA PULP CO. ("NEWCO"),  BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND
SAVINGS  ASSOCIATION,  as agent for itself and the Banks (the "Agent"),  and the
several financial institutions parties to the Credit Agreement referred to below
(collectively, the "Banks").

                                    RECITALS

    A. The Revolving  Borrower,  OLDCO,  the Banks, and Agent are parties to the
Credit Agreement dated as of January 31, 1997 (the "Credit Agreement"), pursuant
to which the Agent and the Banks have extended certain credit  facilities to the
Revolving Borrower and the Term Borrower.

    B. The Revolving  Borrower has requested  that the Agent and the Banks agree
to permit NEWCO to assume the Term Loans and release OLDCO therefrom.

    C. The Revolving  Borrower has also reported to the Agent and the Banks that
it intends to dispose of certain  assets during the 1998 calendar year, the fair
market  value of which will exceed ten percent  (10%) of the total  consolidated
assets of the  Revolving  Borrower,  thus  requiring a waiver from the  Majority
Banks under Section 7.02(b) of the Credit Agreement.

    D. The Banks now hereby wish to grant their  consent to the  disposition  of
certain assets of the Revolving  Borrower,  and the parties hereto wish to amend
the Credit Agreement in certain respects as provided herein,  all subject to the
terms and conditions of this Amendment.

    NOW,  THEREFORE,  for  valuable  consideration,  the receipt and adequacy of
which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

         1.  Defined  Terms.  Unless  otherwise  defined  herein or the  context
clearly  indicates  otherwise,  capitalized  terms  used  herein  shall have the
meanings, if any, assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.

         2. Amendments to the Credit  Agreement.  The following  Sections of the
Credit Agreement are hereby amended as follows:

              (a) The preamble  shall be amended by deleting  "Louisiana-Pacific
Canada Ltd." and inserting "Louisiana-Pacific Canada Pulp Co." in its stead.

              (b)  Section  5.01 shall be amended by deleting  the phrase  "Each
Borrower"  and  inserting  the phrase  "Revolving  Borrower"  in its stead;  and
deleting the phrase "such  Borrower"  and  inserting the word "it" in its stead;
and  inserting  the  following  phrase  after  the  semicolon  at the end of the
section:  "Term  Borrower  is a Nova Scotia  Unlimited  Liability  Company  duly
organized and existing under the laws of the

                                        1


Province of Nova Scotia,  Canada,  and is properly qualified or registered under
the laws of every  jurisdiction  in which it is doing  business of a nature that
requires  qualification or registration of entities not organized under the laws
of such jurisdiction;"

              (c)  Subsection  8.01(j) shall be amended by inserting the phrase,
"(either  directly or through a wholly-owned  subsidiary)"  after the word "own"
and inserting the phrase, "or such intermediate  wholly-owned subsidiary" before
the semicolon at the end of the Subsection.

              (d) Schedule 10.02 shall be amended by deleting the name and title
"William  L.  Hebert,  Treasurer  and CFO"  from  the  contact  information  for
Louisiana-Pacific  Corporation and inserting the name and title "Lynn L. Miller,
Assistant  Treasurer"  in its  stead and by  inserting  the  following  name and
contact  information  following the contact  information  for  Louisiana-Pacific
Corporation:

                    LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CANADA PULP CO.
                    Address for Notices:
                    Louisiana-Pacific Canada Pulp Co.
                    111 S.  W.  Fifth Avenue
                    Portland, OR 97204
                    Attn:    Lynn L.  Miller
                             Assistant Treasurer
                    Telephone: (503) 221-0800
                    Facsimile: (503) 796-0319

              (e)  Each  reference  to  "Louisiana-Pacific  Canada  Ltd." in the
Exhibits to the Credit Agreement, other than in Exhibits D-1, D-2 and D-3, shall
be amended by substituting "Louisiana-Pacific Canada Pulp Co." in its stead.

         3. Release. The Agent and the Banks agree that, upon the Effective Date
defined  below,  Louisiana-Pacific  Canada  Ltd.  shall  be  released  from  its
obligations as Term Borrower under the Credit Agreement, the Term Notes, and all
agreements,  documents,  and  certificates  delivered  pursuant  to  the  Credit
Agreement (collectively, the "Loan Documents").

         4. Consent to  Disposition  of Assets.  The Banks hereby agree that the
sale,  lease,  sale and lease back,  exchange,  transfer  or other  disposition,
during  the 1998  calendar  year,  of the  assets  listed in  Schedule 1 to this
Amendment shall be disregarded in calculating compliance with Subsection 7.02(b)
of the Credit Agreement for the 1998 calendar year.

                                        2


         5.  Representations and Warranties.  The Revolving Borrower,  OLDCO and
NEWCO hereby  jointly and  severally  represent and warrant to the Agent and the
Banks as follows:

              (a) No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

              (b) On or before the  Effective  Date,  NEWCO shall have been duly
established  as a Nova Scotia  Unlimited  Liability  Company and the  execution,
delivery and performance by NEWCO of this Amendment and the Assumption Agreement
of even date herewith shall have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
and other action and do not and will not require any registration  with, consent
or approval of, notice to or action by, any Person  (including any  governmental
agency) in order to be effective  and  enforceable.  On or before the  Effective
Date, the Loan Documents and the Assumption Agreement to which the Term Borrower
is a signatory, as amended by this Amendment,  shall constitute the legal, valid
and binding  obligations  of NEWCO,  enforceable  against it in accordance  with
their respective terms, without defense, counterclaim or offset.

              (c) On the Effective Date, all  representations  and warranties of
the Borrowers  contained in Article V of the Credit Agreement as amended by this
Amendment are true and correct,  and will remain true and correct  following the
substitution of NEWCO for OLDCO as the Term Borrower.

         6. Effective  Date.  This Amendment will become  effective on the first
Business Day (the  "Effective  Date") upon which the Agent has received  each of
the following,  in form and substance  satisfactory  to the Agent and each Bank,
and with sufficient copies for each Bank:

              (a) Amendment.  This Amendment executed by the Revolving Borrower,
OLDCO,  NEWCO,  the Agent,  and each Bank and the  Acknowledgement  and  Consent
attached hereto executed by the Revolving Borrower;

              (b) Resolutions; Incumbency.

                   (i) Copies of the  resolutions  of the Board of  Directors of
NEWCO approving and  authorizing the execution,  delivery and performance by the
President of NEWCO on behalf of NEWCO of this Amendment and the other  Documents
being executed in connection  herewith and the transactions  contemplated hereby
and thereby, certified as of the Effective Date by the Secretary of NEWCO; and

                   (ii) A certificate  of the Secretary of NEWCO  certifying the
names and true  signatures  of the  officers  of NEWCO,  authorized  to execute,
deliver and perform,  as applicable,  this Amendment on behalf of NEWCO, and all
other documents to be delivered  hereunder,  as well as a certificate  signed by
the President of NEWCO stating that all representations and warranties contained
herein  are true and  correct  as of the  Effective  Date and that no Default or
Event of Default exists as of the Effective Date;

                                        3


              (c) Organization  Documents;  Good Standing. Each of the following
documents:

                   (i) the  incorporation  certificate of NEWCO certified by the
Registrar  of  Joint  Stock  Companies  (or  similar   applicable   governmental
authority) of the state of formation of NEWCO as of a recent date; and

                   (ii) a Status  Certificate  for NEWCO issued by the Registrar
of Joint Stock Companies (or similar applicable  governmental  authority) of its
state of incorporation or formation as of a recent date;

              (d) Legal Opinions.  An opinion of Miller,  Nash, Wiener,  Hager &
Carlsen LLP, as counsel to the Revolving Borrower,  and an opinion of Law Office
of Ivo R.  Winter,  as counsel  to NEWCO,  each  addressed  to the Agent and the
Banks, in a form acceptable to the Majority Banks;

              (e)  Notes.  Replacement  Notes for each Bank that has  elected to
have its Loans so  evidenced,  that  indicates  the change of the Term  Borrower
pursuant to this Amendment, and that requests such a replacement Note before the
Effective Date;

              (f) Assumption of Obligations by NEWCO.  An Assumption n Agreement
substantially in the form of Exhibit A; and

              (g) Amendment Fee.  Payment in immediately  available funds of the
amendment fee as previously agreed in the letter from the Agent to the Revolving
Borrower dated December 11, 1997.

         7. Reservation of Rights. The Borrowers  acknowledge and agree that the
execution and delivery by the Agent and the Banks of this Amendment shall not be
deemed to create a course of  dealing  or  otherwise  obligate  the Agent or the
Banks to  grant  similar  consents  or  amendments  under  the  same or  similar
circumstances in the future.

         8. Miscellaneous.

              (a) Except as herein expressly amended,  all terms,  covenants and
provisions of the Credit Agreement are and shall remain in full force and effect
and all references  therein to such Credit  Agreement shall  henceforth refer to
the Credit  Agreement as modified by this  Amendment.  This  Amendment  shall be
deemed incorporated into, and a part of, the Credit Agreement.

              (b) This Amendment  shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
of the parties  hereto and their  respective  successors  and assigns.  No third
party beneficiaries are intended in connection with this Amendment.

              (c)  This  Amendment   shall  be  governed  by  and  construed  in
accordance with the laws of the State of California.

                                        4


              (d) This Amendment may be executed in any number of  counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed an original,  but all such  counterparts  together
shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

              (e) This Amendment,  together with the Credit Agreement,  contains
the entire and exclusive  agreement of the parties  hereto with reference to the
matters discussed herein and therein. This Amendment supersedes all prior drafts
and  communications  with respect  thereto.  This  Amendment  may not be amended
except  in  accordance  with the  provisions  of  Section  10.01  of the  Credit
Agreement.

              (f) If any term or  provision  of this  Amendment  shall be deemed
prohibited  by or invalid under any  applicable  law,  such  provision  shall be
invalidated without affecting the remaining  provisions of this Amendment or the
Credit Agreement, respectively.

              (g) Borrower  covenants  to pay to or reimburse  the Agent and the
Banks,  upon demand,  for all costs and expenses  (including  allocated costs of
in-house  counsel)  incurred in connection  with the  development,  preparation,
negotiation, execution and delivery of this Amendment.

                                     5


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Amendment as of the date first above written.


                             LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION:

                             By:        /s/ Curtis M. Stevens 
                                        Vice  President,  Treasurer  and
                             Title:     Chief Financial Officer


                              By:       /s/ Lynn L. Miller

                              Title:    Assistant Treasurer


                             LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CANADA PULP CO.

                             By:        /s/  Curtis M. Stevens 
                                        Vice  President,  Treasurer  and
                             Title:     Chief Financial Officer


                              By:       /s/ Lynn L. Miller

                              Title:    Assistant Treasurer


                             LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CANADA LTD.

                             By:        /s/ Curtis M. Stevens 
                                        Vice  President,  Treasurer  and
                             Title:     Chief Financial Officer


                              By:       /s/ Lynn L. Miller

                              Title:    Assistant Treasurer


                                        6


                             BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS
                             ASSOCIATION, as Agent

                             By:        /s/ Christopher R. Gerhard[?]

                             Title:     Vice President


                             BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS
                             ASSOCIATION, as a Bank

                             By:        /s/ Christopher R. Gerhard[?]

                             Title:     Vice President


                             ABN AMRO BANK N.V.

                             By:        /s/ David McGinnis

                             Title:     David McGinnis, Vice President


                             By:        /s/ Leif H. Olsson

                             Title:     Leif H. Olsson, Senior Vice President


                             ROYAL BANK OF CANADA

                             By:        /s/ Stephen S. Hughes
                                        Stephen S. Hughes
                             Title:     Senior Manager

                                        7


                             SOCIETE GENERALE

                             By:        /s/ Maureen Kelly
                                        MAUREEN E. KELLY
                             Title:     Vice President


                             By:
                                        ---------------------------
                             Title:
                                        ---------------------------


                             SOCIETE GENERALE FINANCE (IRELAND) LIMITED

                             By:        /s/ [not legible]

                             Title:     Managing Director


                             By:        /s/ Jacinta Conroy

                             Title:     Loan Administrator


                             THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA

                             By:        /s/ [not legible]

                             Title:     Officer


                              By:       /s/ [not legible]

                              Title:    Officer

                                     8


                             THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK


                             By:        /s/ Timothy J. Storms
                                        Timothy J. Storms
                             Title:     Managing Director


                             FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO

                             By:        Mark A. Isley /s/ Mark A. Isley

                             Title:     First Vice President


                             WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA

                             By:        /s/ [John A. Whitaker??]

                             Title:     VICE PRESIDENT


                             UNITED STATES NATIONAL BANK OF OREGON

                             By:        /s/ Janice T. Thede

                             Title:     Vice President


                             WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.

                             By:        /s/ Frieda Youlios
                                        FRIEDA YOULIOS
                             Title:     Vice President

                             By:        /s/ Mark Haberecht
                                        MARK HABERECHT
                             Title:     Assistant Vice President

                                        9


                             THE BANK OF NEW YORK

                             By:        /s/ Robert Louk
                                        Robert Louk
                             Title:     Vice President
                          LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION

                         1997 INCENTIVE STOCK AWARD PLAN

                             EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 1997

                          (RESTATED AS OF MAY 3, 1998)


                          LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION
                         1997 INCENTIVE STOCK AWARD PLAN

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


ARTICLE 1.  ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE

         1.1 ESTABLISHMENT
         1.2 PURPOSE

ARTICLE 2.  DEFINITIONS

         2.1 DEFINED TERMS

ARTICLE 3.  ADMINISTRATION

         3.1 GENERAL
         3.2 AUTHORITY OF THE COMMITTEE
         3.3 LIABILITY OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS

ARTICLE 4.  DURATION OF THE PLAN AND SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

         4.1 DURATION OF THE PLAN
         4.2 OTHER STOCK PLANS
         4.3 GENERAL LIMITATION ON AWARDS
         4.4 CANCELLATION OR EXPIRATION OF AWARDS

ARTICLE 5.  ELIGIBILITY


ARTICLE 6.  AWARDS

         6.1 TYPES OF AWARDS
         6.2 AWARD AGREEMENTS
         6.3 NONUNIFORM DETERMINATIONS
         6.4 PROVISIONS GOVERNING ALL AWARDS

ARTICLE 7.  STOCK OPTIONS


ARTICLE 8.  STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS


ARTICLE 9.  PERFORMANCE SHARES

         9.1 GENERAL
         9.2 PERFORMANCE GOALS FOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

ARTICLE 10.  RESTRICTED STOCK


ARTICLE 11.  OTHER STOCK-BASED AND COMBINATION AWARDS


ARTICLE 12.  ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION


ARTICLE 13.  AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION


ARTICLE 14.  MISCELLANEOUS

         14.1 TAX WITHHOLDING
         14.2 SECURITIES LAW RESTRICTIONS
         14.3 GOVERNING LAW

ARTICLE 15.  STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL


                          LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION
                         1997 INCENTIVE STOCK AWARD PLAN

                      ARTICLE 1. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE

    1.1 Establishment.  LOUISIANA-PACIFIC  CORPORATION  ("Corporation"),  hereby
establishes the  Louisiana-Pacific  Corporation  1997 Incentive Stock Award Plan
(the "Plan"),  effective as of March 1, 1997, subject to stockholder approval as
provided in Article 15.

    1.2 Purpose.  The purpose of the Plan is to promote the long-term  interests
of Corporation and its stockholders by enabling Corporation to attract,  retain,
and reward key employees of Corporation and its  subsidiaries  and to strengthen
the   mutuality  of  interests   between  such   employees   and   Corporation's
stockholders.  The Plan is  designed  to serve this  purpose by  offering  stock
options and other  equity-based  incentive awards and encourage key employees to
acquire an ownership in Corporation.

                             ARTICLE 2. DEFINITIONS

    2.1 Defined Terms. The following definitions are applicable to the Plan:

    "AWARD" means an award or grant made to a Participant pursuant to the Plan.

    "AWARD AGREEMENT" means an agreement as described in Section of the Plan.

    "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of Corporation.

    "CODE"  means the Internal  Revenue  Code of 1986,  as amended and in effect
from time to time, or any successor thereto,  together with rules,  regulations,
and interpretations  promulgated thereunder.  Where the context so requires, any
reference  to a  particular  Code  section  will be  construed  to  refer to the
successor provision to such Code section.

    "COMMITTEE" means the Compensation Committee of the Board.

    "COMMON STOCK" means the common stock,  $1 par value,  of Corporation or any
security of Corporation issued in substitution, exchange, or lieu thereof.

    "CORPORATION" means Louisiana-Pacific  Corporation,  a Delaware corporation,
or any successor corporation thereto.

    "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

    "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means on any given date,  the closing price per share of
Common  Stock as  reported  for such day by the  principal  exchange  or trading
market on 

                                     - 1 -


which  Common Stock is traded (as  determined  by the  Committee)  or, if Common
Stock was not traded on such date,  on the next  preceding  day on which  Common
Stock was traded.  If the Common  Stock is not listed on a stock  exchange or if
trading activities for Common Stock are not reported, the Fair Market Value will
be determined by the Committee.

    "PARTICIPANT"  means an  employee  of  Corporation  or a  Subsidiary  who is
granted an Award under the Plan.

    "PLAN" means this  Louisiana-Pacific  Corporation 1997 Incentive Stock Award
Plan,  as set forth herein and as it may be  hereafter  amended and from time to
time.

    "SHARE" means a share of Common Stock.

    "SUBSIDIARY"  means  any  corporation  in  which  Corporation   directly  or
indirectly controls 50 percent or more of the total combined voting power of all
classes of stock having voting power.

    "VEST" or "VESTED" means:

    (a) In the case of an  Award  that  requires  exercise,  to be or to  become
immediately and fully exercisable and free of all restrictions;

    (b) In the case of an  Award  that is  subject  to  forfeiture,  to be or to
become nonforfeitable, freely transferable, and free of all restrictions;

    (c) In the case of an Award  that is  required  to be  earned  by  attaining
specified  performance  goals,  to be or to become  earned  and  nonforfeitable,
freely transferable, and free of all restrictions; or

    (d) In the case of any  other  Award as to which  payment  is not  dependent
solely upon the exercise of a right, election,  exercise, or option, to be or to
become immediately payable and free of all restrictions.

                            ARTICLE 3. ADMINISTRATION

    3.1 General.  The Plan will be administered by the Committee.  The Committee
will  have  full  power  and  authority  to  administer  the  Plan  in its  sole
discretion.  A majority of the members of the Committee will constitute a quorum
and action approved by a majority will be the act of the Committee.

    3.2  Authority  of the  Committee.  Subject  to the terms of the  Plan,  the
Committee:

                                     - 2 -


    (a) Will  select  the  Participants,  determine  the  types of  Awards to be
granted to Participants,  determine the shares or share units subject to Awards,
and determine the terms and conditions of individual Award Agreements;

    (b) Has the authority to interpret the Plan, to establish, amend, and revoke
any rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to make all other determinations
necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan; and

    (c)  May  correct  any  deficit,  supply  any  omission,  or  reconcile  any
inconsistency  in the Plan or in any Award  Agreement  in the  manner and to the
extent the Committee deems desirable to carry out the purposes of the Plan.

    Decisions of the Committee,  or any delegate as permitted by the Plan,  will
be final, conclusive, and binding on all Participants.

    3.3  Liability  of Committee  Members.  No member of the  Committee  will be
liable for any action or  determination  made in good faith with  respect to the
Plan, any Award, or any Participant.

         ARTICLE 4. DURATION OF THE PLAN AND SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

    4.1 Duration of the Plan.  The Plan is effective  March 1, 1997,  subject to
approval by Corporation's  stockholders as provided in Article 15. The Plan will
remain in effect  until  Awards have been  granted  covering  all the  available
Shares and all outstanding Awards have been exercised, settled, or terminated in
accordance  with the terms of the  applicable  Award  Agreement,  or the Plan is
otherwise  terminated  by the  Board.  Termination  of the Plan will not  affect
outstanding Awards.

    4.2 Other Stock  Plans.  The Plan is separate  from the  following  existing
plans (the "Prior Plans"):

    Louisiana-Pacific Corporation 1991 Employee Stock Option Plan;
    Louisiana-Pacific Corporation 1984 Employee Stock Option Plan; and
    Louisiana-Pacific Corporation Key Employee Restricted Stock Plan.

The Plan will neither affect the operation of the Prior Plans nor be affected by
the Prior Plans, except that no further stock options or restricted stock awards
will be granted under any of the Prior Plans after the date the Plan is approved
by Corporation's stockholders as described in Article 15.

    4.3 General Limitation on Awards.  Subject to adjustment pursuant to Article
of the Plan,  the maximum number of Shares for which Awards may be granted under
the Plan may not exceed 5,000,000 Shares.

    4.4  Cancellation  or  Expiration  of Awards.  If an Award under the Plan is
canceled  or  expires  for any  reason  prior to  having  been  fully  vested or
exercised  by a

                                     - 3 -


Participant  or is settled in cash in lieu of Shares or is  exchanged  for other
Awards,  all Shares  covered by such  Awards  will again  become  available  for
additional Awards under the Plan.

                             ARTICLE 5. ELIGIBILITY

    Officers  and  other  key  employees  of  Corporation  and its  Subsidiaries
(including  employees who may also be directors of  Corporation or a Subsidiary)
who, in the Committee's  judgment,  are or will be contributors to the long-term
success of Corporation will be eligible to receive Awards under the Plan.

                                ARTICLE 6. AWARDS

    6.1 Types of Awards.  Awards  under the Plan may consist of:  stock  options
(either incentive stock options,  within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code,
or nonstatutory stock options),  stock appreciation rights,  performance shares,
restricted stock grants,  and other stock-based  awards (as described in Article
11 of the Plan).  Awards of performance  shares and restricted stock may provide
the Participant  with dividends or dividend  equivalents and voting rights prior
to vesting.

    6.2 Award  Agreements.  Each  Award  will be  evidenced  by a written  Award
Agreement between Corporation and the Participant. Award Agreements may, subject
to the provisions of the Plan,  contain any provision approved by the Committee.
Any Award  Agreement  may make  provision  for any  matter  that is  within  the
discretion of the Committee or may retain the Committee's  discretion to approve
or  authorize  any action with respect to the Award during the term of the Award
Agreement.

    6.3 Nonuniform Determinations. The Committee's determinations under the Plan
or under one or more Award  Agreements,  including without  limitation,  (a) the
selection of Participants to receive Awards,  (b) the type,  form,  amount,  and
timing of Awards, (c) the terms of specific Award Agreements,  and (d) elections
and determinations made by the Committee with respect to exercise or payments of
Awards,  need not be uniform and may be made by the Committee  selectively among
Participants and Awards, whether or not Participants are similarly situated.

    6.4  Provisions  Governing  All  Awards.  All Awards  will be subject to the
following provisions:

    (a)  Transferability.  Except as otherwise  provided in this Section 6.4(a),
each Award (but not Shares  issued  following  Vesting or  exercise of an Award)
will  not be  transferable  other  than  by  will or the  laws  of  descent  and
distribution  and  Awards  requiring  exercise  will be  exercisable  during the
lifetime  of the  Participant  only by the  Participant  or,  in the  event  the
Participant becomes legally incompetent,  by the Participant's guardian or legal
representative. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee, in its discretion,
may include in any Award  Agreement a provision that the Award is  transferable,
without payment of consideration, to immediate family members

                                     - 4 -


of the  Participant  or to a trust for the benefit of or a partnership  composed
solely of such family members.

    (b) Employment Rights.  Neither the adoption of the Plan nor the granting of
any Award  will  confer on any  person the right to  continued  employment  with
Corporation or any  Subsidiary,  nor will it interfere in any way with the right
of Corporation or a Subsidiary to terminate such person's employment at any time
for any reason, with or without cause.

    (c) Effect of Change in  Control.  The  Committee  may,  in its  discretion,
include in any Award  Agreement a provision  that upon the  effective  date of a
change in  control  of  Corporation  (as that term may be  defined  in the Award
Agreement),  all or a  specified  portion  of the  Award (i) will  become  fully
Vested,  (ii)  will  terminate,  or (iii)  may be  converted  into  shares of an
acquiror.  In any such change in control  provision,  the  Committee may provide
whether or to what extent such  acceleration  in the Vesting of an Award will be
conditioned  to avoid  resulting  in an "excess  parachute  payment"  within the
meaning of Section 280G(b) of the Code.

                            ARTICLE 7. STOCK OPTIONS

    The option  price for each stock  option may not be less than 100 percent of
the Fair Market  Value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.  Stock  options
will be  exercisable  for such  period  as  specified  by the  Committee  in the
applicable  Award  Agreement,  but in no event may options be exercisable  for a
period of more than ten years  after  their date of grant.  The option  price of
each Share as to which a stock option is  exercised  must be paid in full at the
time of exercise.  The Committee  may, in its  discretion,  provide in any Award
Agreement  for a stock  option that  payment of the option  price may be made in
cash, by tender of Shares owned by the  Participant  valued at Fair Market Value
as of the date of exercise,  subject to such guidelines for the tender of Shares
as the Committee may  establish,  in such other  consideration  as the Committee
deems  appropriate,  or a combination of cash,  shares of Common Stock, and such
other  consideration.  The  number  of  Shares  subject  to  options  and  stock
appreciation rights granted under the Plan to any individual  Participant during
any one-year  period may not exceed 300,000  Shares.  Except for  adjustments in
price  pursuant  to Article 12  hereof,  at no time shall the option  price of a
stock option granted hereunder be subsequently repriced during the period of its
exercisability.

    In the case of an Option designated as an incentive stock option,  the terms
of the  option and the Award  Agreement  must  conform  with the  statutory  and
regulatory  requirements  specified  pursuant to Section 422 of the Code,  as in
effect on the date such incentive stock option is granted.

    The Committee may, in its discretion,  include in an Award Agreement for any
option a provision that in the event previously  acquired Shares are surrendered
by a  Participant  in  payment  of all or a  portion  of either  (a) the  option
exercise price or (b) the Participant's federal, state, or local tax withholding
obligation with respect to such 

                                     - 5 -


exercise,  the Participant will automatically be granted a replacement or reload
option  (with an option  price equal to the Fair Market  Value of a Share on the
date of such  exercise)  for a number of Shares equal to all or a portion of the
number of Shares  surrendered.  Such replacement  option will be subject to such
terms and conditions as the Committee determines.

                      ARTICLE 8. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

    Stock  appreciation  rights may be granted in tandem with a stock option, in
addition to a stock  option,  or may be  freestanding  and  unrelated to a stock
option.  Stock  appreciation  rights granted in tandem or in addition to a stock
option may be granted  either at the same time as the stock option or at a later
time. No stock  appreciation  right may be  exercisable  earlier than six months
after grant,  except in the event of the  Participant's  death or disability.  A
stock   appreciation   right  will  entitle  the  Participant  to  receive  from
Corporation  an amount equal to the increase in the Fair Market Value of a Share
on the  exercise  of the stock  appreciation  right  over the grant  price.  The
Committee may determine in its discretion  whether the stock  appreciation right
may be settled in cash, shares, or a combination of cash and shares.

                          ARTICLE 9. PERFORMANCE SHARES

    9.1 General.  Performance shares may be granted in the form of actual Shares
or Share units having a value equal to Shares.  An Award of  performance  shares
will be granted to a Participant  subject to such terms and conditions set forth
in the Award Agreement as the Committee deems  appropriate,  including,  without
limitation,  the condition that the performance shares or a portion thereof will
Vest only in the event  specified  performance  goals are met within a specified
performance period, as set forth in the Award Agreement.  An Award Agreement for
a performance share Award may also, in addition to specifying performance goals,
condition  Vesting of such Award on continued  employment for a period specified
in the Award  Agreement.  In the  event  that a stock  certificate  is issued in
respect of performance shares, the certificate will be registered in the name of
the Participant  but will be held by Corporation  until the time the performance
shares  become  Vested.  The  performance  conditions  and  the  length  of  the
performance  period will be determined by the  Committee.  The Committee may, in
its discretion, reduce or eliminate the Vesting of performance shares if, in the
Committee's  judgment,  it determines that the Vesting of the performance  share
Award  is  not  appropriate   given  actual   performance  over  the  applicable
performance  period.  The maximum  number of Shares  issuable to any  individual
Participant with respect to performance  share Awards in any one-year period may
not exceed 100,000 Shares. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may provide in
an Award Agreement whether performance shares granted in the form of share units
will be paid in cash, shares, or a combination of cash and shares.

    9.2 Performance  Goals for Executive  Officers.  The  performance  goals for
performance share awards granted to executive officers of Corporation may relate
to corporate performance, business unit performance, or a combination of both.

                                     - 6 -


    Corporate  performance  goals will be based on financial  performance  goals
related to the performance of Corporation as a whole and may include one or more
measures  related  to  earnings,   profitability,   efficiency,   or  return  to
stockholders such as earnings per share, operating profit, stock price, costs of
production, or other measures.

    Business unit performance  goals will be based on a combination of financial
goals and strategic goals related to the  performance of an identified  business
unit for which a Participant has responsibility.  Strategic goals for a business
unit may include one or a combination of objective  factors  relating to success
in  implementing   strategic  plans  or  initiatives,   introductory   products,
constructing facilities, or other identifiable objectives. Financial goals for a
business  unit may include the degree to which the business unit achieves one or
more  objective  measures  related  to its  revenues,  earnings,  profitability,
efficiency, operating profit, costs of production, or other measures.

    Any corporate or business unit goals may be expressed as absolute amounts or
as ratios or percentages.  Success may be measured  against  various  standards,
including  budget  targets,  improvement  over prior  periods,  and  performance
relative to other companies, business units, or industry groups.

                          ARTICLE 10. RESTRICTED STOCK

    Restricted  stock may be granted in the form of actual Shares or Share units
having a value equal to Shares. A restricted stock Award will be subject to such
terms and  conditions  set forth in the Award  Agreement as the Committee  deems
appropriate,   including,   without   limitation,   restrictions  on  the  sale,
assignment,  transfer,  or  other  disposition  of  such  restricted  stock  and
provisions  that  such  restricted  stock  or  stock  units  be  forfeited  upon
termination  of the  Participant's  employment  for specified  reasons  within a
specified  period of time or upon  other  conditions,  as set forth in the Award
Agreement.  The Award  Agreement  for a  restricted  stock  Award  may also,  in
addition to conditioning Vesting of the Award on continued  employment,  further
condition Vesting on attainment of performance  goals. In the event that a stock
certificate is issued in respect of restricted  stock,  such certificate will be
registered in the name of the  Participant  but will be held by the  Corporation
until the end of the restricted period. The employment conditions and the length
of the  period for  vesting  of  restricted  stock  will be  established  by the
Committee  at the  time of  grant  and set  forth in the  Award  Agreement.  The
Committee,  in its sole  discretion,  may provide in an Award Agreement  whether
restricted  stock  granted  in the  form of  Share  units  will be paid in cash,
Shares,  or a combination of cash and Shares.  The aggregate number of shares or
share  units  that may be  subject  to  restricted  stock  Awards may not exceed
1,000,000 Shares.

              ARTICLE 11. OTHER STOCK-BASED AND COMBINATION AWARDS

    The Committee may grant other Awards under the Plan pursuant to which Shares
are or may in the future be acquired,  or Awards  denominated  in or measured by

                                     - 7 -


Share  equivalent  units,  including Awards valued using measures other than the
market value of Shares.  For such other  stock-based  awards that are granted to
executive  officers of Corporation and that condition Vesting of such Awards, in
whole or in part, on attaining performance goals, such Awards will be subject to
the same  limitations on types of performance  goals and the same  limitation on
the maximum number of Shares issuable to any individual  Participant as provided
in Article 9 of the Plan.  The Committee may also grant Awards under the Plan in
tandem or combination with other Awards or in exchange for Awards,  or in tandem
or  combination  with, or as  alternatives  to, grants or rights under any other
employee plan of Corporation.

             ARTICLE 12. ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION

    In the event of any change in  capitalization  affecting the Common Stock of
Corporation,  such as a stock dividend, stock split,  recapitalization,  merger,
consolidation,  split-up,  spinoff,  combination or exchange of shares, or other
form of reorganization, or corporate change, or any distribution with respect to
Common Stock other than  regular cash  dividends,  the  Committee  may make such
substitution  or  adjustment,  if any,  that it deems to be  equitable as to the
number and kind of Shares or other  securities  issued or reserved  for issuance
pursuant  to  the  Plan,  to  the  limits  on  Awards  to  Participants,  and to
outstanding Awards.

                      ARTICLE 13. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

         The Board may amend,  suspend,  or terminate the Plan or any portion of
the Plan at any time,  provided no  amendment  may be made  without  stockholder
approval if such approval is required by applicable law or the  requirements  of
an applicable stock exchange.

                            ARTICLE 14. MISCELLANEOUS

    14.1 Tax  Withholding.  Corporation  will have the right to deduct  from any
settlement  of any Award under the Plan,  including  the  delivery or vesting of
Shares,  any federal,  state,  or local taxes of any kind  required by law to be
withheld  with  respect to such  payments or to take such other action as may be
necessary  in the  opinion of  Corporation  to satisfy all  obligations  for the
payment of such taxes.  The recipient of any payment or  distribution  under the
Plan must make arrangements  satisfactory to Corporation for the satisfaction of
any such withholding tax  obligations.  Corporation will not be required to make
any such  payment or  distribution  under the Plan until  such  obligations  are
satisfied. The Committee, in its discretion, may permit a Participant to satisfy
the Participant's federal,  state, or local tax, or tax withholding  obligations
with  respect  to an Award by having  Corporation  retain  the  number of Shares
having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of taxes or withholding taxes.

    14.2  Securities Law  Restrictions.  No Shares will be issued under the Plan
unless  counsel for  Corporation  is  satisfied  that such  issuance  will be in
compliance with applicable  federal and state securities laws.  Certificates for
Shares delivered under the 

                                     - 8 -


Plan may be subject to such  stop-transfer  orders and other restrictions as the
Committee  may  deem  advisable   under  the  rules,   regulations,   and  other
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission,  any stock exchange upon
which the  Common  Stock is then  listed,  and any  applicable  federal or state
securities  law.  The  Committee  may cause a legend or legends to be put on any
such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.

    14.3 Governing Law. Except with respect to references to the Code or federal
securities  laws, the Plan and all actions taken  thereunder will be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Oregon.

                        ARTICLE 15. STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL

    The  adoption  of the  Plan  and the  grant  of  Awards  under  the Plan are
expressly  subject to the  approval  of the Plan by the  affirmative  vote of at
least a majority of the stockholders of Corporation  present,  or represented by
proxy,   and  entitled  to  vote  at   Corporation's   1997  annual  meeting  of
stockholders.

                              SEPARATION AGREEMENT

         This Separation Agreement (hereinafter "Agreement") is made and entered
into by and between Michael Hanna (hereinafter  "Hanna"),  and Louisiana-Pacific
Corporation (hereinafter ("L-P"). For purposes of this Agreement,  references to
"L-P"  shall  include  all  officers,   directors,   employees,  agents,  parent
corporations,  divisions, subsidiaries and all persons acting by, through, under
or in concert with any of them, and "Hanna" shall include any heirs,  assigns or
other persons or entities acting on Hanna's behalf.

         L-P and  Hanna  have  agreed  to  amicably  separate  their  employment
relationship upon the following terms and obligations:

1.     Separation  Date.  Hanna will  receive  his regular  salary and  benefits
       through his pay-through  date of November 15, 1998, which date represents
       his last regular  workday,  plus six weeks vacation.  Hanna  acknowledges
       this sum represents all wages due him.

2.     Compensation and Other Consideration.

         a. Separation Pay - Hanna shall receive a lump sum of $85,000,  payable
         on the  date  of  separation,  which  consists  of the  Employee  Stock
         Ownership  Trust as described in  paragraph  2(d) and Stock  Options as
         described  in  paragraph  2  (h)  ,  less  required  withholdings,   as
         separation   pay.  In  addition,   Hanna  shall   receive  the  sum  of
         $511,200.16,  less required  withholdings,  during each of the years of
         1998 and 1999 pursuant to his A.C.I. employment agreement.  Hanna shall
         have the option of  determining  when in each year the payment is to be
         made.

         b. Medical,  Dental and Vision Insurance - Following the termination of
         Hanna's present  L-P-paid  coverages upon Hanna's last regular workday,
         Hanna will be offered medical,  vision and dental continuation coverage
         pursuant  to  the  Federal  Consolidated  Omnibus   Reconciliation  Act
         ("COBRA")at Hanna's own expense.

         c. Other Insurance - Business  Accident Travel  insurance will cease on
         Hanna's last regular workday. Personal Accident Insurance and Long Term
         Disability  will  continue  until the last regular  workday for which a
         Personal Accident  Insurance and Long Term Disability payroll deduction
         for Hanna is taken.

10/29/88:06 AM                                                                 1


         d. Employee Stock Ownership Trust - Hanna  acknowledges  that as of his
         last regular workday, he has 1,250 shares vested in this trust but that
         he has no further rights in the trust.

         e.  Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plans - Nothing in this  Agreement  will
         affect or impair Hanna's rights under the Employee Stock Purchase Plans
         offered to L-P employees.

         f. Annual Bonus - Hanna will be paid his 1998 annual bonus of $132,000,
         less  required  withholdings,  in December 1998 or January 1999, at his
         choosing.

         g. Long Term  Incentive  Compensation - Hanna  acknowledges  that as of
         November 15, 1998, he has no vested  shares in the Long Term  Incentive
         Compensation program.

         h.  Stock  Options  - Hanna  will have  ninety  (90) days from his last
         regular  workday in which to exercise  the rights to any stock  options
         which are vested as of his last regular  workday.  All of Hanna's stock
         options  which are not vested as of his last regular  workday  shall be
         forfeited.  Hanna  shall have no right to stock  options  which are not
         vested as of his last regular workday.

3.     Future Cooperation. As further consideration,  Hanna acknowledges that he
       has  acquired  particular  knowledge,  information  and  expertise in his
       capacity as  Executive  Vice  President  of L-P,  and shall make  himself
       available,  as  reasonably  necessary,  in  person  and by  telephone  to
       cooperate  and provide  assistance  to L-P  regarding  pending and future
       government investigations,  pending and future administrative actions and
       pending  or  future   litigation,   for  which  he  has  or  enjoys  such
       information,  knowledge and expertise.  Hanna will be compensated for his
       time pursuant to a rate of $175 per hour with a maximum of $2,000 per day
       and will be reimbursed  for expenses for  reasonable  travel,  telephone,
       mail and other similar items, as required.

 4.    S.E.C.  Investigation.  The Securities and Exchange Commission ("S.E.C.")
       has  questioned  Hanna  regarding  certain  activities  concerning  L-P'S
       acquisition  of  GreenStone  Industries,  Inc. L-P has advanced and shall
       continue to advance Hanna's reasonable counsel fees and expenses, if any,
       in this and any related matter. Both parties agree that Hanna's rights to
       such advanced funds shall be governed by the Delaware General Corporation
       Law and L-P's bylaws regarding  indemnification,  and Hanna undertakes to
       repay  to L-P the full  amount  of any  such  advanced  funds if it shall
       ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to indemnification  with
       respect to them.

10/29/988:06 AM                                                                2


5.     Financial Planninq Services. L-P shall provide to Hanna at L-P's expense,
       financial services  consistent with its current  practices,  through Ayco
       Company,  L.P.,  through December 31, 1998, and including  preparation of
       his 1998 income taxes.

6.     Hanna understands that he has, by this Agreement, been advised to consult
       with an attorney of his choice  before  signing.  Hanna also  understands
       that he has up to twenty-one  (21) full days to consider  whether to sign
       this  Agreement.  By signing on the date shown below,  Hanna  voluntarily
       elects to forego waiting 21 full days to sign the Agreement.

7.     Hanna  and L-P  acknowledge  and  agree  that for a period  of seven  (7)
       calendar days following his execution of this agreement, Hanna may revoke
       this  Agreement  by  providing  L-P  with  written  notification  of such
       revocation  and  that  this  Agreement  shall  not  become  effective  or
       enforceable until such revocation period has lapsed.

8.     Non-Disclosure.  Hanna recognizes and acknowledges that during the course
       of his  employment he has had and will continue to have access to certain
       information not generally known to the public,  relating to the products,
       sales or  business  of L-P which may include  without  limitation,  data,
       programs,  customer or contact  lists,  sources of supply,  prospects  or
       projections,  manufacturing techniques,  processes, formulas, research or
       experimental   work,  work  in  process,   trade  secrets  or  any  other
       proprietary   or   confidential   matter   (collectively    "Confidential
       Information").  Hanna agrees that,  except as directed by L-P, Hanna will
       not at any time,  whether during or after his employment with L-P, use or
       disclose to any person for any purpose other than for the benefit of L-P,
       any  Confidential  Information,  or permit any person to use,  examine or
       make copies of any documents,  files, data or other  information  sources
       which  contain or are  derived  from  Confidential  Information,  whether
       prepared by Hanna or otherwise coming into Hanna's possession or control,
       without the prior written permission of L-P.

 9.    Confidentiality.  The Parties agree to keep the terms, amount and fact of
       this  Agreement   confidential,   and  to  not  hereafter   disclose  any
       information  concerning  this  Agreement  to anyone,  including,  but not
       limited to, any past, present,  or prospective  employee or applicant for
       employment  of  L-P,  without  the  express  written  permission  of L-P.
       Notwithstanding  the above, it shall not be a breach of this Agreement if
       such disclosure is between Hanna and his immediate family,  between Hanna
       and officers of L-P, or if

10/29/988:06 AM                                                                3


       such  disclosure  is necessary for  effectuating  this  Agreement,  is by
       compulsion of law, is made to an attorney for legal advice, or is made to
       a tax advisor for tax planning and  preparation  purposes,  provided that
       Hanna  shall  impose  on any such  person  these  strict  confidentiality
       requirements.  Any breach by Hanna of this  provision will be remedied by
       immediate  repayment by Hanna of the consideration  provided in paragraph
       2(a), in addition to any other remedies,  including  equitable  remedies,
       recoverable under the law.

10.    Complete  Agreement.  This Agreement embodies the complete  understanding
       and  agreement  of the parties  hereto  relating  to the  subject  matter
       hereof.

11.    Advice of  Attorneys.  Hanna has been advised to consult with an attorney
       or attorneys of his choosing before executing this Agreement.

12.    Attorney  Fees.  It is hereby  agreed  among the parties  that should any
       complaint  be filed or claim be made  arising out of the breach of any of
       the  provisions of this  Agreement or for the purpose of enforcing any of
       its provisions,  the prevailing party or parties shall be entitled to its
       or their reasonable attorney fees from all other parties as determined by
       the trial  court.  If any appeal is taken from the  decision of the trial
       court,  the prevailing  party or parties shall be entitled also to its or
       their  additional  attorney fees on appeal as determined by the appellate
       court.

13.    Choice of Law.  This  Agreement  is made and entered into in the State of
       Oregon and shall in all  respects be  interpreted,  enforced and governed
       under the laws of  Oregon.  The  language  of all parts of the  Agreement
       shall  in all  cases  be  construed  as a  whole,  according  to its fair
       meaning,  and not strictly for or against any of the parties.  Should any
       portion of this agreement be found void, the remainder  shall continue in
       full force and effect.

14.    No admission.  This Agreement  shall not be construed in any manner as an
       admission by either  party that either has  violated  any law,  policy or
       procedure or acted  wrongfully  with respect to the other or to any other
       person.  The parties  understand  that each  specifically  disclaims  any
       liability to the other arising from Hanna's employment  relationship with
       L-P. Each party retains those rights not  specifically  addressed in this
       Agreement.

15.    Execution of Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts.

10/9/988:06 AM                                                                 4


This release is executed by me without reliance on any  representation by L-P or
any of its  representatives  and I further state that I HAVE  CAREFULLY READ THE
FOREGOING SETTLEMENT, HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF ITS MEANING AND CONSEQUENCES AND KNOW
THE CONTENTS THEROF AND I SIGN THE SAME AS MY OWN FREE ACT.

Executed at 8:40 a.m., this 29th day of October, 1998.


LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION                MICHAEL HANNA


By:  /s/ Mark A. Suwyn                      /s/ Michael D. Hanna

Title:  CEO & Chairman

10/29/988:06 AM                                                                5
                              SEPARATION AGREEMENT

         This Separation Agreement (hereinafter "Agreement") is made and entered
into by and between Karen Lundquist  Malkewitz  (hereinafter  "Malkewitz"),  and
Louisiana-Pacific   Corporation  (hereinafter  ("L-P").  For  purposes  of  this
Agreement, references to "L-P" shall include all officers, directors, employees,
agents, parent corporations,  divisions, subsidiaries and all persons acting by,
through, under or in concert with any of them, and "Malkewitz" shall include any
heirs, assigns or other persons or entities acting on Malkewitz's behalf.

         L-P and Malkewitz  have agreed to amicably  separate  their  employment
relationship upon the following terms and obligations:

1.     Separation  Date.  Malkewitz will receive her regular salary and benefits
       through her  pay-through  date of January 4, 1999,  which date represents
       her  last  regular  workday,  plus  accrued  and  unused  vacation  days.
       Malkewitz acknowledges this sum represents all wages due her.

2.     Compensation and Other Consideration.

         a.  Separation  Pay -  Malkewitz  shall  receive a lump sum equal to 52
         weeks' base pay, or $199,500, less required withholdings.

         b. Medical,  Dental and Vision Insurance - Following the termination of
         Malkewitz's  present  L-P-paid  coverages upon Malkewitz's last regular
         workday,   Malkewitz  will  be  offered  medical,   vision  and  dental
         continuation  coverage  pursuant  to the Federal  Consolidated  Omnibus
         Reconciliation  Act ("COBRA"),  at L-P's expense  through  February 28,
         1999. Thereafter,  Malkewitz will be required to make any such payments
         at her own expense.

         c. Other Insurance - Business  Accident Travel  insurance will cease on
         Malkewitz's last regular workday.  Personal Accident Insurance and Long
         Term  Disability will continue until the last regular workday for which
         a  Personal  Accident   Insurance  and  Long  Term  Disability  payroll
         deduction for Malkewitz is taken.

         d. Employee Stock Ownership Trust - Malkewitz  acknowledges  that as of
         her last  regular  workday,  she will not have  completed  the five (5)
         years of service  required  for  vesting and  therefore  has no further
         rights in this trust.

10/28/984:10 PM                                                                1



         e.  Employee  Stock  Purchase  Plans - Nothing in this Agreement  will
         affect or impair  Malkewitz's  rights under the Employee Stock Purchase
         Plans offered to L-P employees.

         f. Annual Bonus - Malkewitz's  1998 annual bonus, if any, less required
         withholdings, will be determined at the Board of Directors Meeting held
         the first  quarter  of 1999.  Any  annual  bonus will be based upon the
         level of  attainment  of  individual  goals for 1998 under L-P's Annual
         Cash Incentive Award Plan for executive  officers or, where applicable,
         the  executive's  contract  bonus  amount  for 1998 if this  amount  is
         greater.  Malkewitz  acknowledges  that such annual bonus is not due or
         owing  for  purposes  of  Oregon  law  until  the  date on  which it is
         determined.

         g. Long Term Incentive  Compensation - Malkewitz's  long term incentive
         compensation  of $20,000 per annum for years 1997 and 1998 will be paid
         at the time of severance, less required withholdings.

         h. Stock  Options - Malkewitz  will have until and  including  April 4,
         1999 to  exercise  any stock  options  which are  vested as of her last
         regular workday.  All of Malkewitz's stock options which are not vested
         as of her last  regular  workday  shall be  canceled  and of no further
         effect.  Malkewitz  shall have no rights with respect to stock  options
         which are not vested as of her last regular workday.  On April 5, 1999,
         all vested stock options not previously  exercised  shall expire and be
         of no further effect.

3.     Future Cooperation. As further consideration, Malkewitz acknowledges that
       she has acquired particular  knowledge,  information and expertise in her
       capacity as Vice President,  Manufacturing of L-P, and shall make herself
       available,  as  reasonably  necessary,  in  person  and by  telephone  to
       cooperate  and provide  assistance  to L-P  regarding  pending and future
       government investigations,  pending and future administrative actions and
       pending  or  future  litigation,   for  which  she  has  or  enjoys  such
       information,  knowledge  and  expertise.  Malkewitz agrees that she will
       notify L-P as soon as  reasonably  practicable  of any subpoena  that she
       receives  that  relates  to  her  former   capacity  as   Vice-President,
       Manufacturing.  Malkewitz will be compensated  for her time pursuant to a
       rate  of  $200  per  hour  with a  maximum  of  $1,500  per  day  and the
       reimbursement  of expenses for  reasonable  travel,  telephone,  mail and
       other similar items, as required.

4.     Financial  Planning  Services.  L-P shall  provide to  Malkewitz at L-P's
       expense financial services, consistent with its

10/28/984:10 PM                                                                2



       current practices,  through Ayco Company,  L.P., for a period of one year
       following the effective date of this Agreement.

5.     Release.   Except  as  otherwise  provided  herein,   Malkewitz  and  L-P
       irrevocably and  unconditionally  release,  acquit and forever  discharge
       each  other  and their  respective  owners,  stockholders,  predecessors,
       successors,  assigns,  heirs,  agents,  directors,  officers,  employees,
       employee benefit plans and trusts,  representatives and attorneys of such
       divisions,  subsidiaries,  affiliates (and agents,  directors,  officers,
       employees,  representatives and attorneys of such divisions, subsidiaries
       and affiliates),  and all persons acting by, through, under or in concert
       with any of them from any and all charges, complaints,  claims, promises,
       agreements,  controversies,  liabilities,  obligations, damages, actions,
       causes of  action,  suits,  rights,  demands,  costs,  losses,  debts and
       expenses (including attorney's fees and costs actually incurred),  of any
       nature whatsoever,  known,  whether based on contract,  statute or common
       law, or unknown which  Malkewitz or L-P now have, own, or hold, or claims
       to have,  own, or hold, or to have had, owned, or held against any of the
       parties so released.

       Malkewitz  specifically  acknowledges  and agrees that by executing  this
       Agreement she is releasing any claims  against L-P for claims under Title
       VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans With Disabilities Act,
       the Family and  Medical  Leave Act,  the Federal  Age  Discrimination  in
       Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit  Protection Act, Or. Rev. Stat.
       Chapter 659 and any claims growing out of any legal  restriction on L-P's
       right to terminate its employees including, but not limited to, contract,
       tort, public policy or wrongful discharge.

       Malkewitz  understands that she has, by this Agreement and release,  been
       advised  to  consult  with an  attorney  of her  choice  before  signing.
       Malkewitz also  understands  that she has up to twenty-one (21) full days
       to consider whether to sign this Agreement and release. By signing on the
       date shown below,  Malkewitz voluntarily elects to forego waiting 21 full
       days to sign the Agreement and release.

       Malkewitz  and L-P  acknowledge  and agree that for a period of seven (7)
       calendar days  following her execution of this  Agreement,  Malkewitz may
       revoke this Agreement by providing L-P with written  notification of such
       revocation  and  that  this  Agreement  shall  not  become  effective  or
       enforceable until such revocation period has lapsed.

10/28/984:10 PM                                                                3


6.     Non-Disclosure.  Malkewitz  recognizes and  acknowledges  that during the
       course of her  employment she has had and will continue to have access to
       certain  information not generally  known to the public,  relating to the
       products,  sales or business of L-P which may include without limitation,
       data, programs,  customer or contact lists, sources of supply,  prospects
       or projections,  manufacturing techniques,  processes, formulas, research
       or  experimental  work,  work in  process,  trade  secrets  or any  other
       proprietary   or   confidential   matter   (collectively    "Confidential
       Information").   Malkewitz  agrees  that,  except  as  directed  by  L-P,
       Malkewitz  will not at any time,  whether  during or after her employment
       with L-P,  use or disclose  to any person for any purpose  other than for
       the benefit of L-P, any Confidential Information, or permit any person to
       use,  examine  or make  copies  of any  documents,  files,  data or other
       information  sources  which  contain  or are  derived  from  Confidential
       Information,  whether  prepared by  Malkewitz  or  otherwise  coming into
       Malkewitz' possession or control, without the prior written permission of
       L-P.

7.     Confidentiality.  Malkewitz agrees to keep the terms,  amount and fact of
       this  Agreement   confidential,   and  to  not  hereafter   disclose  any
       information  concerning  this  Agreement  to anyone,  including,  but not
       limited to, any past, present,  or prospective  employee or applicant for
       employment  of  L-P,  without  the  express  written  permission  of L-P.
       Notwithstanding  the above, it shall not be a breach of this Agreement if
       such disclosure is between  Malkewitz and her immediate  family,  between
       Malkewitz  and officers of L-P, or if such  disclosure  is necessary  for
       effectuating  this  Agreement,  is by  compulsion  of law,  is made to an
       attorney for legal  advice,  or is made to a tax advisor for tax planning
       and  preparation  purposes,  provided that Malkewitz  shall impose on any
       such person  these  strict  confidentiality  requirements.  Any breach by
       Malkewitz of this  provision  will be remedied by immediate  repayment by
       Malkewitz of the consideration provided in paragraph 2(a), in addition to
       any other remedies,  including equitable remedies,  recoverable under the
       law.

8.     Complete  Agreement.  This Agreement embodies the complete  understanding
       and  agreement  of the parties  hereto  relating  to the  subject  matter
       hereof.

9.     Advice of  Attorneys.  Malkewitz  has been  advised  to  consult  with an
       attorney or attorneys of her choosing before executing this Agreement.

10/28/984:10 PM                                                                4



10.    Attorney  Fees.  It is hereby  agreed  among the parties  that should any
       complaint  be filed or claim be made  arising out of the breach of any of
       the  provisions of this  Agreement or for the purpose of enforcing any of
       its provisions,  the prevailing party or parties shall be entitled to its
       or their reasonable attorney fees from all other parties as determined by
       the trial  court.  If any appeal is taken from the  decision of the trial
       court,  the prevailing  party or parties shall be entitled also to its or
       their  additional  attorney fees on appeal as determined by the appellate
       court.

11.    Choice of Law.  This  Agreement  is made and entered into in the State of
       Oregon and shall in all  respects be  interpreted,  enforced and governed
       under the laws of  Oregon.  The  language  of all parts of the  Agreement
       shall  in all  cases  be  construed  as a  whole,  according  to its fair
       meaning,  and not strictly for or against any of the parties.  Should any
       portion of this agreement be found void, the remainder  shall continue in
       full force and effect.

12.    No admission.  This Agreement  shall not be construed in any manner as an
       admission  by L-P that it has  violated  any law,  policy or procedure or
       acted wrongfully with respect to Malkewitz or any other person. Malkewitz
       understands  that L-P  specifically  disclaims any liability to Malkewitz
       arising from her employment relationship with L-P.

13.    Execution of Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts.


This release is executed by me without reliance on any  representation by L-P or
any of its  representatives  and I further state that I HAVE  CAREFULLY READ THE
FOREGOING SETTLEMENT, HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF ITS MEANING AND CONSEQUENCES AND KNOW
THE CONTENTS THEROF AND I SIGN THE SAME AS MY OWN FREE ACT.

Executed at 5:O5 p.m., this 28 day of October, 1998.

LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION                KAREN LUNDQUIST MALKEWITZ



By:  /s/ Mark A. Suwyn                       /s/ Karen D. Malkewitz
                                                 (formerly Lundquist)
Title:  CEO & Chairman                       Karen Lundquist Malkewitz

10/28/984:10 PM                                                                5

                          LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORPORATION
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                AT MARCH 16, 1999


                                                               State/
                                                               Province/Country
                                                               of Domicile
                                                               -----------
Louisiana-Pacific Corporation                                  Delaware

    Domestic Subsidiaries
    ---------------------
           Associated Chemists, Inc.                           Oregon
           ABT Building Products Corporation                   Delaware
           ABTco, Inc.                                         Delaware
           CP Investment Corp.                                 Oregon
           GreenStone Industries, Inc.                         Delaware
               GreenStone Industries-Fort Wayne, Inc.          Indiana
           Ketchikan Pulp Company                              Washington
           Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (WV)                  West Virginia
           Louisiana-Pacific Polymers, Inc.                    Oregon
           Louisiana-Pacific Timber Company                    Oregon
               L-PSPV, Inc.                                    Delaware
           LPS Corporation                                     Oregon
               Louisiana-Pacific Samoa, Inc.                   Oregon
               L-P Redwood, LLC                                Delaware
                      L-P SPV2, LLC                            Delaware
           New Waverly Transportation, Inc.                    Texas


    Foreign Subsidiaries
    --------------------

           ABT Canada Limited                                  Nova Scotia,
                                                                 Canada
           ABT Export Company                                  Virgin Islands
           Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd.                       British Columbia,
                                                                 Canada
               Louisiana-Pacific Canada Dawson Creek Ltd.      British Columbia,
                                                                 Canada
           Louisiana-Pacific Canada Pulp Co.                   Nova Scotia,
                                                                 Canada
           Louisiana-Pacific de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.           Mexico
           Louisiana-Pacific, S.A. de C.V.                     Mexico
           Louisiana-Pacific de Venezuela, C.A.                Venezuela
           Louisiana-Pacific Coillte Ireland Limited           Ireland
           L-P Foreign Sales Corporation                       Guam
           Louisiana-Pacific South America S.A.                Chile
               Louisiana-Pacific Chile S.A.                    Chile
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report  included  in this  Form  10-K  into the  registrant's  previously  filed
Registration  Statement  File  Nos.  2-97014,  33-42276,   33-62944,   33-62317,
333-10987, 333-53695, 333-53715 and 333-73157.

                              /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
Portland, Oregon,
  March 15, 1999

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the  incorporation  by reference in  Registration  Statement  Nos.
2-97014, 33-42276,  33-62944,  33-62317,  333-10987,  333-53695,  333-53715, and
333-73157 of Louisiana-Pacific  Corporation of our report dated January 29, 1999
(February  25,  1999 as to the last  paragraph  of Note 11),  appearing  in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K of  Louisiana-Pacific  Corporation for the year ended
December 31, 1998.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Portland, Oregon
March 15, 1999

 

5 This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes included in this Form 10-K and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements. 1,000 12-MOS DEC-31-1998 JAN-01-1998 DEC-31-1998 31,700 94,800 134,700 (1,500) 205,700 612,100 2,086,500 (1,173,200) 2,519,100 366,600 459,800 0 0 117,000 1,105,800 2,519,100 2,297,100 2,297,100 1,853,800 2,270,300 0 0 37,500 14,000 15,800 2,000 0 0 0 2,000 .02 .02