VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Western Forest Products Inc. (TSX: WEF) (“Western” or the “Company”) reported improved financial results in the first quarter of 2025, as compared to the same period last year. Net income was $13.8 million in the first quarter of 2025, as compared to a net loss of $8.0 million in the first quarter of 2024, and a net loss of $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA was $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2025, as compared to ne ...

Core Viewpoint - Conifex Timber Inc. is set to release its first quarter 2025 financial results on May 12, 2025, and will hold a conference call to discuss these results [1] Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - Conifex Timber Inc. plans to announce its first quarter 2025 results before market open on May 12, 2025 [1] - A conference call is scheduled for 8:00 AM Pacific time / 11:00 AM Eastern time on the same day to discuss the financial results [1] Group 2: Conference Call Details - Participants can join the call by dialing a toll-free number (1-800-806-5484) or a local number (416-340-2217) with the participant pass code 6042635 [1] - The call will be available for instant replay until December 26, 2025, with a separate access number and pass code for replay [2] Group 3: Company Overview - Conifex Timber Inc. engages in timber harvesting, reforestation, forest management, sawmilling, and value-added lumber finishing and distribution [2] - The company's lumber products are marketed in the United States, Canada, and Japan [2] - Conifex also produces bioenergy at its power generation facility located in Mackenzie, BC [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $47 million, a significant decrease from $99 million in Q4 2024, primarily due to 22 days of planned maintenance downtime at the Celgar mill, which adversely impacted EBITDA by approximately $30 million [3][11] - The consolidated net loss for Q1 2025 was $22 million, or $0.33 per share, compared to a net income of $17 million, or $0.25 per share in Q4 2024 [11] - Cash consumption in Q1 was about $3 million, a decrease from $54 million in Q4 2024, with a net working capital increase of roughly $23 million due to seasonal movements [11][12] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pulp segment contributed an EBITDA of $50 million in Q1 2025, while the solid wood segment's EBITDA was essentially breakeven [4] - Pulp sales volumes increased by 26,000 tonnes to 478,000 tonnes in Q1, attributed to the timing of sales despite the planned downtime [6] - Lumber production reached a near-record 128 million board feet in Q1, up 12% from Q4, with sales volumes also hitting a new record at 131 million board feet, up about 6% from Q4 [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - MBSK prices in Europe averaged $15.50 per ton in Q1, an increase of $50 from Q4, while North American MBSK prices averaged $17.53 per ton, up $66 from Q4 [4][5] - In China, the MBSK net price was $793 per tonne, an increase of $26 from Q4, while hardwood sales realizations were flat due to offsetting price changes in North America [5] - The North American MBHT average price was $12.68, down $30 from Q4, indicating mixed pricing trends across different markets [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is targeting a $100 million improvement in operational efficiency and cost savings by the end of 2026 compared to 2024, alongside a $20 million reduction in inventories and capital expenditures in 2025 [17] - The company is focusing on maximizing mill operating rates and generating cash to reduce debt, with a strong emphasis on improving asset reliability across all businesses [24][25] - The mass timber operations are expected to grow, with the company confident in its ability to capture market growth due to its significant production capacity and broad product offerings [30][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the weakening U.S. dollar could enhance purchasing power for U.S.-sourced fiber, while also indicating potential modest fiber cost inflation and lower energy sales prices in Q2 [20][21] - The company anticipates stable demand for softwood pulp in the mid-term, with upward pricing pressure expected due to reduced supply [22][23] - Management expressed concerns about global economic uncertainty impacting buying patterns and pricing, particularly in China, but remains optimistic about the long-term outlook for softwood pulp [20][23] Other Important Information - The company plans for major maintenance shutdowns throughout the year, with a total of 79 days of planned downtime compared to 57 in 2024 [34] - A quarterly dividend of $0.75 per share has been approved for shareholders of record on June 26, 2025 [12] - The company is committed to its 2030 carbon reduction targets and believes its products will play a significant role in addressing climate change [38][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the secondary effects related to tariffs? - Management explained that secondary effects include the weakening U.S. dollar impacting costs and a slowdown in demand in China, which has put pressure on prices, particularly hardwood [44] Question: What is the outlook for pulp prices in Q2? - Management indicated that they expect more positive than negative impacts on pulp prices in Q2 compared to Q1, despite some recent softness in lumber prices [47] Question: Can you provide context on the $100 million cost savings objectives? - Management detailed that the cost reduction program targets various operational aspects, with expectations to capture $40 to $50 million in savings by 2025 [52] Question: How would meaningful Section 232 tariffs impact lumber markets? - Management noted that Canadian lumber would become less competitive due to countervailing duties, which would favor their products from Germany [64] Question: Are there any changes in order patterns from pulp customers? - Management reported no significant changes in order patterns in Europe or North America, although there is some caution in China [106]

INVESTOR RELATIONS PRESENTATION Results through March 29, 2025 Deckorators Voyage Decking with Surestone Technology 1 UFP INDUSTRIES, INC. Please be aware that statements included in this presentation that are not historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended, and are based on management's beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates, and projections about the markets we serve, the economy, and the company itself. Words like " ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2025 was $63 million, an increase of $10 million from $53 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting improved performance across all business segments [22][3][21] - The Timberlands segment's adjusted EBITDA rose from $34 million in Q4 to $42 million in Q1, driven by higher harvest volumes and increased sawlog prices [23][22] - Wood Products adjusted EBITDA increased from $9 million in Q4 to $12 million in Q1, attributed to slightly higher average lumber prices [25][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Timberlands harvested 1.968 million tons in Q1, exceeding plans, with Idaho sawlog prices increasing by 9% per ton [23][24] - Wood Products shipped 290 million board feet of lumber in Q1, surpassing guidance by 10 million board feet, primarily due to the Waldo sawmill's performance [10][26] - Real Estate segment generated adjusted EBITDA of $23 million in Q1, up from $19 million in Q4, with over 7,000 acres sold at an average price of $3,300 per acre [27][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lumber markets faced tepid demand, with Southern yellow pine prices remaining firm while SPF prices increased due to tariff discussions [5][4] - U.S. housing starts remained stable at nearly 1.4 million units, with single-family homebuilding starts resilient near 1 million units [16][17] - The multifamily homebuilding segment faced challenges due to restrictive financing and oversupply [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on natural climate solutions, expanding solar option contracts and exploring lithium development opportunities [12][14] - A balanced capital allocation strategy is maintained, with share repurchases prioritized over timberland acquisitions due to stock trading at a discount to net asset value [15][14] - The company anticipates a favorable long-term outlook despite near-term volatility, with expectations for lumber demand to improve as housing affordability constraints ease [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while the near-term environment is uncertain, long-term fundamentals in the industry remain strong, driven by demographic shifts and housing undersupply [20][21] - The company expects second-quarter total adjusted EBITDA to be lower than Q1 due to seasonally lower harvest volumes and higher forest management costs [33][32] - Management expressed confidence in the Waldo sawmill's contribution to future EBITDA growth, despite current pricing challenges [57][56] Other Important Information - The company has $447 million in liquidity, including $147 million in cash, and plans to refinance $100 million of maturing debt [29][30] - Capital expenditures in Q1 totaled $23 million, with a full-year CapEx forecast of $60 million to $65 million [30][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about demand trends in the new IT channel and R&R channel? - Management described the current lumber market as decent, with the South performing better than the North, and noted that prices are higher in the South [36][38] Question: How would you characterize channel inventories? - Management indicated that the industry operates at relatively low inventory levels, with some northern species experiencing inventory hangover from tariff concerns [41][42] Question: What impact did the recent tariff announcements have on order books? - Management stated that there was no significant change in end consumer demand, although some advanced ordering may have occurred [48][50] Question: What is the expected impact of higher Canadian lumber duties? - Management anticipates that some Canadian competitors may absorb costs, while smaller operators may face challenges, potentially leading to mill closures [51][52] Question: Can you provide insights on cedar log prices? - Management noted that cedar prices are driven by regional demand and that customers have been short on cedar, leading to price increases [93] Question: What is the timeline for solar and lithium opportunities? - Management expects that one or two solar deals may close next year, with option periods typically lasting three to five years [83][84] Question: How does the company reconcile increased production with tepid demand? - Management clarified that increased production does not necessarily indicate falling demand, as the overall market is expected to grow modestly [110]

PotlatchDeltic (PCH) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 29, 2025 12:00 PM ET Company Participants Wayne Wasechek - VP & CFOEric Cremers - President & CEOKetan Mamtora - Director - Building Products Equity ResearchGeorge Staphos - Managing DirectorBuck Horne - Managing Director - Equity ResearchMatt McKellar - Vice PresidentMichael Roxland - MD - Equity Research Conference Call Participants Anthony Pettinari - AnalystMark Weintraub - Senior Analyst and Head of Business Development Operator Good morning. My name is ...

Core Viewpoint - The global financial markets are closely monitoring the potential impacts of President Trump's trade tariffs, which could affect stocks across various countries and sectors. Two scenarios are presented for retail investors to consider regarding their portfolio strategies [1][2]. Group 1: Trade Environment Scenarios - A challenging trade environment could lead to sustained global GDP growth slowdown, but this scenario is deemed less likely as effective de-globalization would require significant cuts to the world economy [2]. - A more probable scenario involves a resolution of trade issues between the United States and its trading partners, alleviating fears related to tariffs [2]. Group 2: Investment Opportunities - Three stocks are highlighted as strong investment opportunities once tariff fears subside: Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA), West Fraser Timber Co. (NYSE: WFG), and Canadian National Railway (NYSE: CNI) [3]. - Alibaba Group is noted for its strong market position despite recent negative sentiment surrounding China's stock market, with a current price of $119.16 and a potential price target of $150.36, indicating a possible upside of 26% [4][7]. - West Fraser Timber, a major Canadian lumber exporter, is expected to recover as clarity returns to the market, with a current price of $72.75 and a price target of $100.40, suggesting a potential increase of 38% [8][11]. - Canadian National Railway is positioned to benefit from increased lumber production and exports, with a current price of $97.58 and a price target of $120.36, indicating a potential upside of 23% [13][15].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - West Fraser generated $195 million of adjusted EBITDA in Q1 2025, representing a 13% margin, which is a significant improvement over the previous quarter [6] - Over the trailing 12 months, the company generated $668 million of adjusted EBITDA, representing an 11% margin, an improvement from $561 million reported during the trough year of 2023 [8] - Cash flow from operations was negative $75 million for Q1, with a cash balance of $390 million, down from $641 million in the previous quarter [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Lumber segment posted adjusted EBITDA of $66 million in Q1 2025, compared to $21 million in the fourth quarter, driven by higher product pricing and shipment volumes [10] - The North America EWP segment generated $125 million adjusted EBITDA in Q1, similar to the $127 million reported in the fourth quarter [11] - The Pulp & Paper segment generated $7 million adjusted EBITDA in Q1, recovering from a $10 million loss in the previous quarter [11] - The European business reported negative $2 million adjusted EBITDA in Q1, down from positive $2 million in the fourth quarter, primarily due to pricing issues [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. housing starts averaged nearly 1.4 million units in Q1, indicating stabilization in new home construction despite elevated mortgage rates [7] - Repair and remodeling demand remains stable but subdued, with no significant changes observed [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet and liquidity profile, allowing for countercyclical investments and growth opportunities [9] - West Fraser is focused on low-cost operations and a diverse product mix to navigate macroeconomic uncertainties, particularly regarding evolving tariff policies [16][20] - The company is actively monitoring tariff impacts and preparing operational plans to adapt to various scenarios [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed considerable macroeconomic uncertainty due to evolving U.S. tariff policies but remains optimistic about long-term industry prospects [21] - The company expects to catch up on delayed shipments despite a slower-than-expected start to the year, adjusting guidance conservatively [14] Other Important Information - The preliminary combined tariff rate for softwood lumber is 26.05%, the lowest in the Canadian industry, with final rates expected in the second half of the year [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand trends in lumber and OSB as the busy season approaches - Management noted that customer purchasing has been cautious, with no significant changes in demand trends observed [26] Question: Capital allocation strategy and M&A pipeline - The company maintains a durable capital allocation strategy and is open to growth opportunities that meet high-quality standards [32][38] Question: Timing for the Section 232 investigation resolution - Management indicated a lack of visibility on the investigation's timing and potential impacts on OSB and lumber [42] Question: Impact of tariffs on OSB projects - Management stated that recent projects are progressing well and future projects will consider cost implications before decisions are made [53] Question: Demand for repair and remodeling products - Demand for repair and remodeling has remained subdued, with no significant shifts observed in the early weeks of Q2 [61] Question: Log inventory status in the SPF business - Log deliveries were less than expected due to weather, but the impact on inventory is not considered material [63]