Rayonier (RYN) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 01, 2025 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Collin Mings - VP, Capital Markets and Strategic PlanningMark Mchugh - President & CEOApril Tice - Senior VP & CFODouglas Long - Executive VP & Chief Resource OfficerMatt McKellar - Vice PresidentKetan Mamtora - Director - Building Products Equity Research Conference Call Participants Anthony Pettinari - Analyst Operator Courtney. Did you guys have the Welcome, and thank you for joining Rayonier's First Quarter twenty twenty ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EBITDA of $27 million for the first quarter, a 39% decline compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to lower results in the Southern Timber and Real Estate segments [8][9][14] - The net loss attributable to Rayonier was $3 million, or $0.02 per share, reflecting a challenging start to the year [13][14] - Cash available for distribution (CAD) decreased to $20 million from $31 million in the prior year period, driven by lower adjusted EBITDA [14][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Southern Timber segment, adjusted EBITDA was $27 million, down 21% in harvest volumes and 19% in weighted average net stumpage realizations [9][18] - The Pacific Northwest Timber segment saw adjusted EBITDA increase to $6 million, despite an 18% decrease in harvest volumes, due to lower costs and higher net stumpage realizations [10][22] - The Real Estate segment generated adjusted EBITDA of $2 million, down from $5 million in the prior year, attributed to fewer acres sold [11][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Southern Timber segment faced challenging market conditions, with a 21% decline in harvest volumes and a 19% decrease in weighted average stumpage prices due to softer demand and increased salvage volume [9][19] - In the Pacific Northwest, average delivered domestic sawlog pricing increased by 7% to $91 per ton, driven by stronger demand from sawmills [22] - The overall market for timber remains impacted by economic uncertainty, with expectations for improved pricing in the second half of the year as salvage volume declines [20][34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing shareholder value through the sale of its New Zealand business for $710 million, which will allow for capital concentration in core U.S. markets [4][5] - Rayonier plans to use at least 50% of the sale proceeds to reduce leverage and return capital to shareholders through share repurchases and a special dividend [6][7] - The company aims to streamline its portfolio and capitalize on growth opportunities in the U.S. timber market while reducing exposure to log export markets [5][6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for improved market conditions in the second half of the year as salvage efforts moderate and operating conditions normalize [10][34] - The company anticipates full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance of $215 million to $235 million, excluding New Zealand operations, reflecting a generally stable outlook despite a slow start [12][29] - Management highlighted the long-term potential for growth in housing starts and lumber demand, despite current economic uncertainties [70][71] Other Important Information - The company has completed or announced asset dispositions totaling $1.45 billion, exceeding its original target of $1 billion [8] - The weighted average cost of debt was approximately 2.4%, with no debt maturities until 2026, positioning the company well for future capital allocation [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: How significant are labor constraints in logging and hauling today? - Management acknowledged that labor is a constant concern but noted improvements in productivity and sufficient labor availability to meet current demand [40][42] Question: Can you provide more color around the attractiveness of options for the New Zealand proceeds? - Management indicated that share repurchases remain a compelling use of capital, with $280 million remaining on the current repurchase authorization [43][44] Question: What is the outlook for lumber prices in response to higher Canadian import duties? - Management reported positive sentiment among sawmill customers, with some mills looking to secure more volume and potential price increases observed in recent negotiations [50][54] Question: Can you provide an update on natural climate solutions? - Management confirmed ongoing efforts in carbon capture and solar initiatives, with optimism about future developments in these areas [76][80]