News Releases

    • AbitibiBowater announces third quarter 2008 financial results and positive outlook for the fourth quarter
      
          ABH (NYSE, TSX)
          US$- Annual Synergy Run-Rate Increases to $320 million
          - Continued North American Consumption Decline Results in Increased
            Market-Related Downtime
          - Price Improvement Continues for Major Paper Grades in Q3MONTREAL, Nov. 6 /CNW Telbec/ - AbitibiBowater Inc. today reported a net
      loss for the third quarter 2008 of $302 million, or $5.23 per diluted share,
      on sales of $1.7 billion. These results compare with a net loss of $142
      million, or $4.75 per diluted share, on sales of $815 million for the third
      quarter of 2007, which consisted only of Bowater Incorporated. The Company's
      2008 third quarter results reflect the full quarter results for
      Abitibi-Consolidated Inc. and Bowater Incorporated as a combined company
      following their combination on October 29, 2007.
          Third quarter 2008 special items, net of tax, consisted of the following:
      an $18 million gain relating to foreign currency changes, a $3 million gain on
      asset sales, a $154 million charge related to closure costs, impairment and
      severance, and a $65 million charge related to tax adjustments. Excluding
      these special items, the net loss for the quarter would have been $104
      million, or $1.81 per diluted share. Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures are
      contained in Notes 7 and 8 of this release. Included in the charge for closure
      costs is an impairment charge for the permanent closure in the third quarter
      of the Donnacona, Quebec and the Mackenzie, British Columbia facilities, which
      were indefinitely idled during the first quarter of 2008.
          "Although the market and overall economy remain very challenging, we
      continued to make progress during the third quarter, particularly with pricing
      for our paper grades," stated President and Chief Executive Officer David J.
      Paterson. "Given the significant decline of the Canadian dollar and rapidly
      declining input costs related to recycled fiber and energy, we expect a
      significant improvement in our financial results in the fourth quarter."
          "Based on customer input, we expect a further decline in North American
      newsprint consumption. In light of these developments, we plan to reduce
      capacity in 2009 by taking 50,000 metric tons of downtime monthly recognizing
      the need to be flexible, responding to exchange rate volatility, fiber and
      energy costs as well as other market and economic developments," added
      Paterson.
      
          Segment Detail
          --------------
      
          Coated Papers
      
          For the third quarter, the coated papers segment generated income of $30
      million and EBITDA of $39 million. The Company's average transaction price for
      coated papers increased $33 per short ton during the quarter compared to the
      second quarter, while average operating costs increased $63 per short ton,
      mainly due to higher energy-related and scheduled maintenance costs. The
      Company anticipates 15,000 short tons of coated mechanical production
      curtailments in the fourth quarter during the year-end holidays.
      
          Market Pulp
      
          Income for the market pulp segment was $6 million for the third quarter,
      while EBITDA was $19 million. The average market pulp transaction price for
      the Company increased $4 per metric ton, while average operating costs
      increased $68 per metric ton compared to the second quarter, mainly as a
      result of higher fiber and energy costs, as well as scheduled annual outages
      at various facilities.
      
          Newsprint
      
          For the third quarter, the newsprint segment generated income of $28
      million, compared to income of $1 million for the second quarter of 2008,
      while EBITDA improved from $81 million to $110 million. The Company's average
      transaction price increased $46 per metric ton. Average operating costs
      increased $24 per metric ton, compared to the second quarter, primarily as a
      result of recycled fiber and energy-related costs. Recycled fiber costs
      increased $8 million and repair spending increased $8 million from the second
      quarter to the third quarter.
      
          Specialty Papers
      
          The specialty papers segment had income of $7 million for the third
      quarter, compared to a loss of $32 million for the second quarter. EBITDA
      improved by $36 million from $37 million to $73 million during the quarter.
      The Company's average transaction price increased $33 per short ton during the
      quarter, while average operating costs decreased $31 per short ton.
      
          Wood Products
      
          For the third quarter, the wood products segment incurred a loss of $10
      million, compared to a loss of $13 million for the second quarter. EBITDA
      improved to $1 million in the third quarter compared to a loss of $2 million
      in the second quarter. The average transaction price for the Company decreased
      $7 per thousand board feet, while average operating costs decreased $7 per
      thousand board feet compared to the second quarter.
      
          Synergy Update
          --------------
      
          The Company continues to make significant progress toward its $375
      million synergy target. As of the end of the third quarter, the annual
      run-rate of synergies achieved is $320 million. The Company fully expects to
      achieve the targeted level by the end of 2009.
      
          Bowater Incorporated Credit Facility Amendment
          ----------------------------------------------
      
          The Company's Bowater subsidiary is currently finalizing an amendment
      that is supported by its agent bank. The amendment will extend the dates by
      which the facilities convert into asset backed loan facilities until the
      spring of 2009, as well as to waive compliance with certain financial covenant
      requirements for the third quarter of 2008. The Company expects to complete
      this amendment over the next few days.
      
          Investor Call
          -------------
      
          A conference call hosted by Management to discuss Q3 results will be held
      today at 10:00 AM (Eastern). Interested parties should dial (866) 898-9626 or
      (514) 868-1042 fifteen minutes before the beginning of the call, which will be
      webcast at www.abitibibowater.com, under "Webcasts and Presentations" in the
      "Investors" section.
          Participants not able to listen to the live conference call can access a
      replay, which will also be available on the "Investors" section of the
      Company's website beginning an hour after the conclusion of the call. Replay
      by phone will be available until November 15, 2008, by dialing (514) 861-2272
      (passcode 3265690#).
      
          About AbitibiBowater
          --------------------
      
          AbitibiBowater produces a wide range of newsprint, commercial printing
      papers, market pulp and wood products. It is the eighth largest publicly
      traded pulp and paper manufacturer in the world. AbitibiBowater owns or
      operates 27 pulp and paper facilities and 34 wood products facilities located
      in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Korea. Marketing
      its products in more than 90 countries, the Company is also among the world's
      largest recyclers of old newspapers and magazines, and has more third-party
      certified sustainable forest land than any other company in the world.
      AbitibiBowater's shares trade under the stock symbol ABH on both the New York
      Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange.
      
          Forward-Looking Statements
          --------------------------
      
          Statements that are not reported financial results or other historical
      information are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private
      Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. They include, for example,
      statements about our fourth quarter financial results, our efforts to improve
      operating and financial performance, our plans for future price increases for
      certain of our products, our efforts to reduce costs, increase revenues and
      profitability, our assessments of currency exchange rates and input costs,
      including those related to fiber, energy and the Canadian dollar, our business
      outlook, our curtailment of production of certain of our products, our
      assessments of market conditions, our ability to achieve targeted synergies,
      our ability to amend Bowater's credit facility, and our strategies for
      achieving our goals generally. Forward-looking statements may be identified by
      the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words "should," "would,"
      "could," "may," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," and other terms with
      similar meaning indicating possible future events or potential impact on the
      business or stockholders of AbitibiBowater.
          The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
      forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance.
      These statements are based on management's current assumptions, beliefs and
      expectations, all of which involve a number of business risks and
      uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These
      risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, industry conditions
      generally and further growth in alternative media, our ability to realize
      announced price increases, the impact of the global credit crisis on our
      ability to refinance or amend the terms of our current indebtedness, our
      ability to obtain timely contributions to our cost-reduction initiatives from
      our unionized and salaried employees, the prices and terms under which we
      would be able to sell targeted assets, the continued strength of the U.S.
      dollar against the Canadian dollar, the costs of raw materials such as energy,
      chemicals and fiber, the success of our post-merger integration activities,
      including the rollout of information technology platforms and billing and
      procurement systems as well as the impact of our liquidity position on the
      relationship with our customers, vendors and trade creditors. In addition,
      with respect to forward-looking statements relating to the combination of
      Abitibi-Consolidated Inc. and Bowater Incorporated, the following factors,
      among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those set
      forth in the forward-looking statements: the risk that the businesses will not
      be integrated successfully or that the improved financial performance, product
      quality and product development will not be achieved; the risk that other
      combinations within the industry or other factors may limit our ability to
      improve our competitive position; the risk that the cost savings and other
      expected synergies from the combination may not be fully realized or may take
      longer to realize than expected; and disruption from the transaction making it
      more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees or
      suppliers. Additional factors are detailed from time to time in
      AbitibiBowater's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and
      the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including those factors
      contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended
      December 31, 2007, filed with the SEC on March 20, 2008, and the Company's
      Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2008, filed with
      the SEC on May 12, 2008, under the caption "Risk Factors" in each respective
      report. All forward-looking statements in this news release are expressly
      qualified by information contained in the Company's filings with the SEC and
      the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. AbitibiBowater disclaims any
      obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information.ABITIBIBOWATER INC.
                          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                    (Unaudited, in millions except per share amounts)
      
      
                                       Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended
                                          September 30,           September 30,
                                    -----------------------  ----------------------
                                          2008      2007(1)       2008      2007(1)
                                    -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
          Sales                     $    1,730   $     815   $   5,154   $   2,385
          Costs and expenses:
            Cost of sales, excluding
             depreciation,
             amortization and cost
             of timber harvested         1,294         672       3,990       1,912
            Depreciation,
             amortization and cost
             of timber harvested           184          80         562         240
            Distribution costs             195          84         583         242
            Selling and
             administrative
             expenses                       83          50         270         145
            Closure costs,
             impairment and other
             related charges(2)            138           -         165           -
            Arbitration award(3)             -          28           -          28
            Net gain on disposition
             of assets(4)                   (5)        (17)        (45)       (140)
                                    -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
          Operating (loss) income         (159)        (82)       (371)        (42)
                                    -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
          Other income (expense):
            Interest income                  3           2           9           6
            Interest expense              (187)        (47)       (519)       (142)
            Foreign exchange
             gain (loss)                     6         (16)         31         (36)
            Other, net                      (7)         (3)         11          (5)
                                    -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                          (185)        (64)       (468)       (177)
                                    -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
          Loss before income taxes
           and minority interests         (344)       (146)       (839)       (219)
      
          Income tax benefit
           (provision)(5)                   50           1          52         (19)
          Minority interests,
           net of tax                       (8)          3         (14)         (2)
                                    -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
          Net loss                  $     (302)  $    (142)  $    (801)  $    (240)
                                    -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                    -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
      
          Net loss per common share:
      
            Basic and diluted(6)    $    (5.23)  $   (4.75)  $  (13.91)  $   (8.04)
                                    -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                    -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
      
          Weighted-average number
           of shares outstanding:
      
            Basic and diluted(6)          57.6        29.9        57.6        29.9
                                    -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                    -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
      
      
                                   ABITIBIBOWATER INC.
                               CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (Unaudited, in millions)
      
                                                        September 30,  December 31,
                                                                2008          2007
                                                        -------------  ------------
          Assets
      
          Current assets:
            Cash and cash equivalents                     $      295    $      195
            Accounts receivable, net                             868           754
            Inventories, net                                     863           906
            Assets held for sale(4)                              242           184
            Other current assets                                 103           103
                                                        -------------  ------------
              Total current assets                             2,371         2,142
                                                        -------------  ------------
          Timber and timberlands                                  51            58
          Fixed assets, net                                    4,955         5,707
          Goodwill                                               809           779
          Other intangible assets, net                         1,158         1,203
          Other assets                                           593           430
                                                        -------------  ------------
            Total assets                                  $    9,937    $   10,319
                                                        -------------  ------------
                                                        -------------  ------------
      
          Liabilities and shareholders' equity
      
          Current liabilities:
            Accounts payable and accrued liabilities      $    1,177    $    1,206
            Short-term bank debt                                 729           589
            Current installments of long-term debt               273           364
            Liabilities associated with assets
             held for sale(4)                                     34            19
                                                        -------------  ------------
              Total current liabilities                        2,213         2,178
                                                        -------------  ------------
          Long-term debt, net of current installments          5,190         4,695
          Pension and other postretirement benefit
           obligations                                           823           936
          Other long-term liabilities                            223           231
          Deferred income taxes                                  188           230
          Minority interests in subsidiaries                     146           150
          Commitments and contingencies
          Shareholders' equity                                 1,154         1,899
                                                        -------------  ------------
            Total liabilities and shareholders' equity    $    9,937     $  10,319
                                                        -------------  ------------
                                                        -------------  ------------
      
      
      
                                   ABITIBIBOWATER INC.
                          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (Unaudited, in millions)
      
                                                             Nine Months Ended
                                                                September 30,
                                                        ---------------------------
                                                                2008        2007(1)
                                                        -------------  ------------
          Cash flows from operating activities:
          Net loss                                        $     (801)    $    (240)
          Adjustments to reconcile net loss to
           net cash from operating activities:
            Share-based compensation                               4            10
            Depreciation, amortization and cost
             of timber harvested                                 562           239
            Closure costs, impairment and other
             related charges                                     146             -
            Deferred income taxes                                (72)           31
            Minority interests, net of tax                        14             2
            Net pension contributions                           (185)          (27)
            Net gain on disposition of assets                    (45)         (140)
            Amortization of debt discount (premium), net          76            (5)
            Gain on extinguishment of debt                       (31)            -
            Gain on translation of foreign-currency
             denominated debt                                    (21)           19
            Changes in working capital:
              Accounts receivable                               (132)          (12)
              Inventories                                         18           (17)
              Income tax receivables and payables                 14             -
              Accounts payable and accrued liabilities            (9)           35
            Other, net                                            39            (9)
                                                        -------------  ------------
              Net cash used for operating activities            (423)         (114)
                                                        -------------  ------------
      
          Cash flows from investing activities:
          Cash invested in fixed assets, timber
           and timberlands                                      (127)          (73)
          Disposition of assets, including timber
           and timberlands                                       210           167
          Direct acquisition costs related to
           the Combination                                         -           (17)
          Cash received in monetization of
           financial instruments                                   5             -
          Other investing activities, net                        (77)            -
                                                        -------------  ------------
              Net cash provided by investing activities           11            77
                                                        -------------  ------------
      
          Cash flows from financing activities:
          Cash dividends, including minority interests           (14)          (35)
          Term loan financing                                    400             -
          Term loan financing repayments                         (53)            -
          Short-term financing, net                             (195)           72
          Issuance of long-term debt                             763             -
          Payments of long-term debt                            (298)          (15)
          Payment of deferred financing and credit
           facility fees                                         (85)            -
          Payment of equity issue fees                            (6)            -
                                                        -------------  ------------
              Net cash provided by (used for)
               financing activities                              512            22
                                                        -------------  ------------
          Net increase (decrease) in cash and
           cash equivalents                                      100           (15)
          Cash and cash equivalents:
              Beginning of period                                195            99
                                                        -------------  ------------
              End of period                               $      295     $      84
                                                        -------------  ------------
                                                        -------------  ------------
      
      
      
          ABITIBIBOWATER INC.
      
          Notes to the Press Release and Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statement
          Information
      
          (1) On October 29, 2007, pursuant to a Combination Agreement and
              Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 29, 2007, Abitibi-
              Consolidated Inc. ("Abitibi") and Bowater Incorporated ("Bowater")
              combined in a merger of equals (the "Combination"), with each
              becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of AbitibiBowater Inc. The
              Combination has been accounted for in accordance with Statement of
              Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, "Business Combinations."
              Bowater is deemed to be the "acquirer" of Abitibi for accounting
              purposes, and AbitibiBowater is deemed to be the successor to Bowater
              for purposes of U.S. securities laws and regulations governing
              financial reporting. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, our press
              release and unaudited Consolidated Financial Statement information,
              including related notes, reflect the results of operations and
              financial position of both Abitibi and Bowater as of September 30,
              2008 and December 31, 2007 and for the three and nine months ended
              September 30, 2008 and those of only Bowater for the three and
              nine months ended September 30, 2007. The initial purchase price
              allocation will be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2008 to allow
              for the gathering and review of all pertinent information, including
              the final valuation reports from an independent third party. The
              final purchase price allocation adjustments will primarily impact
              goodwill, fixed assets and intangible assets. The only significant
              adjustments made to the preliminary purchase price allocation during
              the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were recorded in the
              third quarter of 2008. A valuation allowance was recorded against
              certain U.S. federal net operating losses from the Abitibi U.S. tax
              group that are expected to expire and an adjustment was recorded for
              a change in the tax treatment of a transaction that occurred prior to
              the Combination. The adjustments resulted in a net decrease in
              deferred tax assets and a net increase in goodwill of approximately
              $30 million.
      
          (2) During the third quarter ended September 30, 2008, we permanently
              closed our previously idled Donnacona, Quebec and Mackenzie, British
              Columbia paper mills based on market conditions. As a result, we
              recorded long-lived asset impairment charges of $127 at our Donnacona
              facility and $12 million at our Mackenzie facility. These charges
              include $12 million of asset retirement obligations. Additionally,
              $10 million of inventory was determined to be unusable and was
              charged to cost of sales. These impairment charges were reduced by
              $2 million for a reduction in an asset retirement obligation related
              to a previously closed facility. Additional charges of $1 million
              relating to severance costs for workforce reductions were also
              recorded in the third quarter of 2008
      
          (3) In September 2007, we received a decision in an arbitration related
              to the 1998 sale to Weyerhaeuser Company ("Weyerhaeuser") of our
              former pulp and paper facility in Dryden, Ontario. We and
              Weyerhaeuser had been arbitrating a claim regarding the cost of
              certain environmental matters related to the mill. The arbitrators
              awarded Weyerhaeuser approximately $43 million (CDN $44 million),
              including interest. As a result of the arbitrators' decision, which
              is binding upon us and not subject to appeal, we recorded a pre-tax
              charge of $28 million (CDN $29 million) during the third quarter of
              2007. We had previously established a reserve of $15 million
              (CDN $15 million) in connection with these environmental matters at
              the time of the sale.
      
          (4) During the third quarter of 2008, we sold approximately 900 acres of
              timberlands and other assets for proceeds of $5 million, and during
              the first three quarters of 2008, we sold approximately 44,000 acres
              of timberlands, our Price sawmill, our Snowflake, Arizona newsprint
              mill and certain related assets and liabilities, and other assets for
              proceeds of $210 million, resulting in a net gain on disposition of
              assets for the third quarter of 2008 of $5 million, and for the first
              three quarters of 2008 of $45 million. As a result of the restatement
              of our Snowflake mill to its fair market value less costs to sell as
              of the date of the Combination, we did not recognize a gain or loss
              on this sale. During the third quarter of 2007, we sold approximately
              11,400 acres of timberlands for proceeds of $19 million, and during
              the first three quarters of 2007, we sold approximately 119,200 acres
              of timberlands for proceeds of $167 million, resulting in a net gain
              on disposition of assets for the third quarter of 2007 of $17 million
              and for the first three quarters of 2007 of $140 million. At
              September 30, 2008, we held our Fort William, Ontario; Lufkin, Texas;
              West Tacoma, Washington; and Mokpo, Korea facilities and some of our
              timberlands in the United States and Canada for sale.
      
          (5) During the third quarter and the first three quarters of 2008, income
              tax benefits and tax credits of approximately $126 million and
              $298 million, respectively, arising primarily from operating losses
              outside the United States were entirely offset by tax charges to
              increase our tax valuation allowance. During the first quarter and
              the first three quarters of 2007, income tax benefits and tax credits
              of approximately $34 million and $71 million, respectively, also
              arising primarily from operating losses outside the United States,
              were entirely offset by tax charges to increase our tax valuation
              allowance.
      
          (6) For the calculation of basic and diluted loss per share for the
              three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, no
              adjustments to net loss are necessary. Additionally, no adjustments
              to our basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding are
              necessary to compute our diluted weighted-average number of common
              shares outstanding for all periods presented as the effect would be
              anti-dilutive. In addition, no adjustments to net loss and the
              diluted weighted average number of common shares were necessary after
              giving effect to the assumed conversion of the convertible notes
              representing 35 million additional common shares. As a result of the
              Combination, each issued and outstanding share of Bowater common
              stock and exchangeable share of Bowater Canada Inc. was converted
              into 0.52 of a share of AbitibiBowater common stock and 0.52 of an
              exchangeable share of AbitibiBowater Canada Inc., respectively. All
              share and share-related information for the periods preceding the
              Combination have been restated to reflect the Bowater exchange ratio
              of 0.52.
      
          (7) A reconciliation of certain financial statement line items reported
              under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") to our use of
              non-GAAP measures of operating income (loss), net loss and loss per
              share reported before special items is presented in the tables below.
              We believe that these measures allow investors to more easily compare
              our ongoing operations and financial performance from period to
              period. These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to
              and not as a substitute for measures of financial performance
              prepared in accordance with GAAP. Consequently, investors should rely
              on GAAP operating income (loss), net loss and loss per share.
              Non-GAAP measures included in our press release include:
      
              Operating income (loss) before special items - is defined as
              operating income (loss) from our Consolidated Statements of
              Operations adjusted for special items. Internally, we use a non-GAAP
              operating income (loss) measure as an indicator of a segment's
              performance and excludes closure costs, impairment and other related
              charges, severance and merger-related costs, gains on dispositions of
              assets and other discretionary charges or credits from GAAP operating
              income (loss). Therefore, this non-GAAP presentation is consistent
              with our internal presentation. This non-GAAP measure should be used
              in addition to and not as a substitute for operating income (loss)
              provided in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We believe
              that this non-GAAP measure is useful because it is consistent with
              our internal presentation and performance analysis and allows
              investors to more easily compare our ongoing operations and financial
              performance from period to period.
      
              Net loss before special items - is defined as net loss from our
              Consolidated Statements of Operations adjusted for the special items
              discussed above plus foreign exchange gains or losses, and the
              adjustment for tax charges that have been taken against income tax
              benefits arising primarily from operating losses at certain of our
              operations outside the United States (refer to Note 5 above). The
              adjustment for these items is consistent with our internal
              presentation, and the tax adjustment is provided for our investors to
              reflect a more appropriate effective tax rate. This non-GAAP measure
              should be used in addition to and not as a substitute for net loss
              provided in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We believe
              that this non-GAAP measure is useful because it is consistent with
              our internal presentation and allows investors to more easily compare
              our ongoing operations and financial performance from period to
              period.
      
              Loss per share (EPS) before special items - is defined as diluted EPS
              calculated based on the net loss before special items. This non-GAAP
              measure should be used in addition to and not as a substitute for our
              loss per share calculated in accordance with GAAP as provided in the
              Consolidated Statements of Operations. We believe that this non-GAAP
              measure is useful because it is consistent with our internal
              presentation and allows investors to more easily compare our EPS from
              ongoing operations and financial performance from period to period.
      
      
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Three Months Ended
          September 30, 2008                 Operating           Net
          (unaudited, in millions                (loss)        (loss)
           except per share amounts)            income        income           EPS
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      
          GAAP as reported                    $   (159)     $   (302)     $  (5.23)
      
          Adjustments for special items:
            Sale of assets                          (5)           (3)        (0.05)
            Severance                                7             6          0.10
            Closure costs, impairment and
             other related charges                 148           148          2.57
            Foreign exchange                         -           (18)        (0.32)
            Tax adjustments                          -            65          1.12
      
                                              -------------------------------------
          GAAP as adjusted for special items  $     (9)     $   (104)     $  (1.81)
      
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      
      
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Three Months Ended June 30, 2008   Operating           Net
          (unaudited, in millions                (loss)        (loss)
           except per share amounts)            income        income           EPS
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      
          GAAP as reported                    $    (63)     $   (251)     $  (4.36)
      
          Adjustments for special items:
            Sale of assets                         (17)          (11)        (0.19)
            Severance                               17            16          0.28
            Closure costs, impairment and
             other related charges                  13            13          0.23
            Foreign exchange                         -            11          0.19
            Tax adjustments                          -            72          1.25
      
                                              -------------------------------------
          GAAP as adjusted for special items  $    (50)     $   (150)     $  (2.60)
      
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      
      
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Three Months Ended March 31, 2008  Operating           Net
          (unaudited, in millions                (loss)        (loss)
           except per share amounts)            income        income           EPS
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      
          GAAP as reported                    $   (149)     $   (248)     $  (4.32)
      
          Adjustments for special items:
            Sale of assets                         (23)          (16)        (0.27)
            Severance                                8             7          0.13
            Closure costs, impairment and
             other related charges                  10            10          0.17
            Foreign exchange                         -           (44)        (0.77)
            Tax adjustments                          -            76          1.32
      
                                              -------------------------------------
          GAAP as adjusted for special items  $   (154)     $   (215)     $  (3.74)
      
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
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          (8) A reconciliation of our operating income (loss) reported under GAAP
              to our use of the non-GAAP measure of EBITDA by reportable segment is
              presented in the tables below. EBITDA by reportable segment is
              defined as operating income (loss) from our Consolidated Statements
              of Operations, allocated to our reportable segments (newsprint,
              coated papers, specialty papers, market pulp and wood products) in
              accordance with SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an
              Enterprise and Related Information," adjusted by depreciation,
              amortization and cost of timber harvested. We believe that this non-
              GAAP measure allows investors to more easily compare the ongoing
              operations and financial performance of our reportable segments from
              period to period. Internally, we use this EBITDA by reportable
              segment measure as an indicator of a reportable segment's
              performance. Therefore, this non-GAAP measure is consistent with our
              internal presentation. We believe that this non-GAAP measure is
              useful because it is consistent with our internal presentation and
              performance analysis and allows investors to more easily compare our
              ongoing financial performance from period to period. This non-GAAP
              measure should be used in addition to and not as a substitute for
              operating income (loss) by reportable segment provided in the notes
              to our Consolidated Financial Statements in our quarterly filings
              with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
      
      
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      
                                                        Depreciation,
                                                        amortization
          Three Months Ended                                and cost     EBITDA by
           September 30, 2008                Operating     of timber    Reportable
          (unaudited, in millions)       (loss) income     harvested       Segment
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      
          GAAP as reported                    $   (159)     $    184
      
          Allocated to reportable segments:
            Newsprint                               28            82      $    110
            Coated papers                           30             9            39
            Specialty papers                         7            66            73
            Market pulp                              6            13            19
            Wood products                          (10)           11             1
          Corporate and other                     (220)            3
      
                                              --------------------------
          GAAP as reported                    $   (159)     $    184
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
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          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      
                                                        Depreciation,
                                                        amortization
          Three Months Ended                                and cost     EBITDA by
          June 30, 2008                      Operating     of timber    Reportable
          (unaudited, in millions)       (loss) income     harvested       Segment
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      
          GAAP as reported                    $    (63)     $    187
      
          Allocated to reportable segments:
            Newsprint                                1            80      $     81
            Coated papers                           35            10            45
            Specialty papers                       (32)           69            37
            Market pulp                             21            13            34
            Wood products                          (13)           11            (2)
          Corporate and other                      (75)            4
      
                                              --------------------------
          GAAP as reported                    $    (63)     $    187
      
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      
      
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      
      
                                                        Depreciation,
                                                        amortization
          Three Months Ended                                and cost     EBITDA by
          March 31, 2008                     Operating     of timber    Reportable
          (unaudited, in millions)       (loss) income     harvested       Segment
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      
          GAAP as reported                    $   (149)     $    191
      
          Allocated to reportable segments:
            Newsprint                              (69)           83      $     14
            Coated papers                           34            10            44
            Specialty papers                       (39)           69            30
            Market pulp                             31            14            45
            Wood products                          (35)           11           (24)
          Corporate and other                      (71)            4
      
                                              --------------------------
          GAAP as reported                    $   (149)     $    191
      
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      For further information:
      For further information: For Investors: Duane Owens, Vice President,
      Finance, (864) 282-9488; For Media: Seth Kursman, Vice President,
      Communications and Government Affairs, (514) 394-2398,
      seth.kursman@abitibibowater.com