Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an EBITDA of negative $28 million for Q3 2025, a decrease from negative EBITDA of $21 million in Q2 2025, primarily due to lower pulp pricing and demand [3][9] - The consolidated net loss for Q3 was $81 million, or $1.21 per share, compared to a net loss of $86 million, or $1.29 per share, in Q2 [9] - Cash consumption increased to $48 million in Q3 from $35 million in Q2, driven by lower EBITDA [10] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pulp segment had a negative EBITDA of $13 million, while the solid wood segment reported a negative EBITDA of $9 million [3][23] - Pulp sales volumes increased by 26,000 tons to 453,000 tons, while pulp production remained flat at 459,000 tons [5][20] - Lumber production decreased by about 4% to 150 million board feet, and lumber sales volumes decreased by about 9% to 110 million board feet [6][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average published prices for MBSK and MBHK pulp decreased across all markets compared to Q2, with the MBSK net price in China at $690 per ton, down $44, and the European average at $1,497 per ton, down $56 [4][5] - Lumber pricing in the U.S. remained stable, with the benchmark price for Western SPF No. 2 Stud averaging $477 per 1,000 board feet, a modest increase from $472 [6] - Electricity sales totaled 204 gigawatt hours, a 6% decrease from Q2, while pricing increased to about $106 per megawatt hour [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "One Goal 100" program, targeting $100 million in cost savings and operational efficiencies by the end of 2026, with an expected $30 million in savings by the end of 2025 [9][12] - The company aims to transform its pulp mills into biorefineries, enhancing resilience during commodity downturns [30][31] - The mass timber business is expected to grow, with a backlog of projects valued at about $80 million and increasing interest in sustainable construction [27][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted significant industry headwinds due to trade uncertainty, impacting demand for both paper and lumber [11][29] - The company expects modest NBSK price improvements late in Q4 2025 and into Q1 2026, driven by curtailments and market dynamics [20][29] - Management remains optimistic about the long-term value of its products and the potential for market recovery as economic conditions improve [29][30] Other Important Information - The company plans to reduce capital expenditures in 2026, focusing on maintenance and essential projects [28][45] - The company is actively engaging in discussions with banks regarding liquidity and financing options [41][56] Q&A Session Summary Question: Potential asset sales to expedite deleveraging - Management is considering asset sales but acknowledges that current market conditions are not ideal for divestitures [32] Question: Industry supply-demand balance and capacity adjustments - Management indicated that closures of pulp mills may be necessary to right-size the industry, especially in Canada and Finland [33] Question: Substitution issues in the pulp market - Substitution has been ongoing, with a recent increase attributed to a significant price differential between hardwood and softwood pulp [35][38] Question: Liquidity-enhancing actions - Management is exploring various liquidity-enhancing actions, including discussions with banks and potential asset divestitures [41][43] Question: Industry supply pressures from sawmill closures - Management noted that the situation regarding chip access is already tight, and closures of sawmills could further impact pulp mills [54]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a negative EBITDA of $21 million for Q2 2025, a significant decrease from the positive EBITDA of $47 million in Q1 2025, primarily due to negative foreign exchange impacts and lower pulp prices in China [3][10][19] - The consolidated net loss for Q2 was $86 million, or $1.29 per share, compared to a net loss of $22 million, or $0.33 per share in Q1 [10] - Cash consumption increased to $35 million in Q2 from $3 million in Q1, driven by lower EBITDA [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pulp segment experienced a negative EBITDA of $10 million in Q2, while the solid wood segment had a negative EBITDA of $5 million [3][25] - NBSK pulp sales realizations decreased in Q2 due to a weaker global trade environment, with the average net price in China dropping to $734 per tonne, a decrease of $59 from Q1 [4] - Lumber production decreased to approximately 120 million board feet, down 6% from Q1, and lumber sales volumes also decreased by about 8% [8][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, the average list price for MBSK increased to $18.20 per tonne, up $67 from Q1, while the European price remained stable at $15.53 per tonne [4] - The average price for NBHK in China decreased to $533 per tonne, down $45 from Q1, while the North American average increased to $13.10 per tonne, up $42 from Q1 [5] - The company noted a significant decrease in pulp sales volumes, down by 51,000 tons to 427,000 tons due to weaker demand [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company launched the "One Goal 100" program aimed at achieving $100 million in cost savings and operational efficiencies by 2026, with $5 million in savings already realized [9][15] - The company plans to reduce capital expenditures to about $100 million in 2025, focusing on maintenance and safety projects [33] - The company is exploring a carbon capture project at its Peace River Mill, which could generate significant revenue from CO2 credits [34][66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted that trade uncertainty and tariffs were significant factors behind the disappointing Q2 results, with expectations for pulp prices to remain weak through the summer [13][21] - The company anticipates a gradual recovery in pulp prices towards the end of Q3 and into Q4, driven by restocking after the low summer season [60][62] - Management expressed confidence in the long-term value of pulp and the potential for growth in the mass timber business, despite current market challenges [36][32] Other Important Information - The company suspended its dividend as a prudent measure to focus on debt reduction amid market uncertainties [18] - The company reported a strong liquidity position of $438 million at the end of Q2, consisting of $146 million in cash and $292 million in undrawn revolvers [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide information on cash flow items for 2025? - The company expects cash taxes for the year to be about $25 million, with capital expenditures targeted at $100 million [39][42] Question: What is the minimum liquidity level comfortable for the company? - The company indicated that it is not close to being uncomfortable with liquidity and has room to adjust capital expenditures if needed [48][51] Question: Can you comment on softwood inventory levels? - Management stated that softwood inventory levels are slightly elevated but not concerning, and there are no current impairments expected [55] Question: What could catalyze pulp prices gaining momentum later in the year? - Management believes that restocking after the low summer season and supply constraints will drive pulp prices up in Q4 [60][62] Question: What is the potential financial impact of the carbon capture project? - The project could generate significant revenue tied to CO2 credits, potentially exceeding $100 million per year, with a capital requirement of around $500 million, of which a substantial portion is expected to be covered by grants [66][68]