Government Support - Canadian government promised up to $508 million in loan guarantees to support the lumber industry [1]

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 foreign exchange impacts and lower pulp prices in China [3][11][20] - 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 [11] - Cash consumption increased to $35 million in Q2 from $3 million in Q1, driven by lower EBITDA [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pulp segment had a negative EBITDA of $10 million in Q2, while the solid wood segment reported a negative EBITDA of $5 million [3][26] - NBSK pulp sales realizations decreased in Q2, with the net price in China dropping to $734 per tonne, a decrease of $59 from Q1 [4] - Lumber production decreased by 6% to approximately 120 million board feet in Q2 due to planned maintenance [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, the average list price for MBSK increased by $67 to $18.20 per tonne, while the European price remained stable at $15.53 per tonne [4] - The average price for NBHK in China decreased by $45 to $533 per tonne [5] - Pulp sales volumes decreased by 51,000 tons to 427,000 tons in Q2 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 [10][14] - The company plans to reduce capital expenditures to about $100 million in 2025, focusing on maintenance and safety projects [34] - The company is exploring a carbon capture project at the Peace River Mill, which could generate significant revenue from CO2 credits [35][70] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted that trade uncertainty and tariffs have negatively impacted Q2 results, particularly affecting demand from China [13][19] - The company expects pulp prices to remain weak through the summer but anticipates a recovery in Q4 as demand picks up [22][66] - Management remains optimistic about the long-term value of pulp and the growth potential of mass timber products [36][33] Other Important Information - The company suspended its dividend as a prudent measure to focus on debt reduction amid market uncertainties [19] - The company reported a strong liquidity position of $438 million at the end of Q2, including $146 million in cash [12] 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 a slight negative working capital change anticipated [39][44] Question: What is the minimum liquidity level the company is comfortable with? - The company is not concerned about liquidity and has room to adjust capital expenditures if needed [51][54] Question: Can you comment on softwood inventory levels and potential write-downs? - The company does not foresee any impairments on softwood inventories, although levels are slightly elevated [58] Question: What could catalyze pulp prices gaining momentum later in the year? - The company expects restocking demand after the low summer season to drive pulp prices up, particularly for softwood [66] Question: How significant is the carbon capture project at Peace River? - The project could generate over $100 million per year in revenue from CO2 credits, with a capital requirement of around $100 million for the company's share [70][74] Question: How is the Torgau mill positioned for the U.S. market? - The Torgau mill is equipped to supply the U.S. market and is expected to increase production capacity [78][80]

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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $52 million, down from $63 million in Q1 2025, primarily due to seasonally lower harvest volumes and higher forest management costs in the Timberland segment, along with an inventory impairment charge in Wood Products [21][5][6] - Adjusted EBITDA for the Timberlands segment decreased from $42 million in Q1 to $40 million in Q2, with a slight decrease in harvest volumes [22][21] - Adjusted EBITDA for Wood Products dropped from $12 million in Q1 to $2 million in Q2, driven by lower lumber prices and increased processing costs [25][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Wood Products division earned $2 million in adjusted EBITDA during Q2, impacted by lower lumber prices and several nonrecurring items [6][25] - Timberlands harvested 1.86 million tons in Q2, with Idaho's sawlog prices increasing by 9% per ton compared to Q1, while Southern sawlog prices rose by 2% [22][24] - The Real Estate segment produced adjusted EBITDA of $23 million in Q2, matching Q1 results, with 7,500 acres sold at an average price of $3,100 per acre [26][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average total housing starts were just above 1.3 million units in Q2, with single-family starts around 900,000 units, indicating a stable housing market despite economic uncertainty [17][18] - The repair and remodel sector remains subdued, but slight gains in expenditures are forecasted for 2025 and modest growth in 2026 [19][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital allocation strategies that create long-term value, including maintaining dividends, key capital investments, and opportunistic share repurchases [14][15] - The company anticipates higher lumber prices due to increased duties on Canadian softwood lumber and potential tariffs, which could positively impact domestic lumber prices [11][20] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about long-term fundamentals driving demand in the industry, despite near-term uncertainties [20][18] - The company expects improved results in the Wood Products division in Q3, as challenges faced in Q2 are not anticipated to recur [31][30] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $56 million of its common stock in Q2 at an average price of $39 per share, marking the largest share repurchase volume in a single quarter since becoming a REIT in 2006 [14][15] - The company has $395 million in liquidity, including $95 million in cash, and plans to refinance $100 million of debt maturing in August [27][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk us through the lumber price forecast? - Management indicated that duties are coming into effect, which will force supply adjustments in the marketplace, leading to a potential increase in prices by September [36][38] Question: Will the unfavorable costs in Wood Products reverse in Q3? - Management confirmed that the challenges faced in Q2, including inventory charges and freight issues, are expected to reverse in Q3, leading to improved earnings [40][41] Question: How does the company view share repurchases amid uncertainty? - Management emphasized the importance of protecting dividends and the balance sheet, while also being aggressive with share repurchases due to the stock trading at a significant discount to NAV [44][48] Question: What is the outlook for solar options and incentives? - Management remains optimistic about solar opportunities, indicating that recent changes in incentives have not significantly impacted their solar projects [58][66] Question: What is the company's stance on Timberland M&A? - Management expressed a desire to be an incremental buyer of Timberland but noted that current prices make it challenging to achieve acceptable returns on investment [92][93]

Core Points - Interfor Corporation has successfully closed an early renewal and extension of its revolving credit facility, increasing the commitment amount to approximately C$560 million and extending the maturity to July 2029 [1][2] - The renewal includes improved provisions that enhance the Company's financial flexibility, such as a higher threshold for the minimum EBITDA interest coverage ratio covenant [2] - Interfor has also renewed its private shelf note purchase agreement with PGIM Inc., allowing the issuance of up to US$550 million of senior secured notes, with approximately US$450 million outstanding as of June 30, 2025 [3] - As of June 30, 2025, Interfor reported a net debt to capitalization ratio of 35.6% and over C$330 million of available liquidity under the new facilities, providing ample financial capacity to pursue its strategic agenda [4] Financial Position - The Company is fully compliant with all financial covenants as of June 30, 2025 [4] - The available liquidity on a pro forma basis under the new facilities is just over C$330 million, which will help the Company navigate potential market volatility [4] Company Overview - Interfor is a growth-oriented forest products company with operations in Canada and the United States, boasting an annual lumber production capacity of approximately 4.7 billion board feet [6]

Trade Dispute - US and Canada have been in a softwood lumber dispute since the 1980s [1] - The US imports about 25% of its softwood lumber from Canada [2] - The Commerce Department is expected to increase tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber from 144% to 345% [3] Market Impact - US builders claim restrictions on Canadian imports increase home construction costs, even though lumber accounts for less than 20% of those costs [3] - Increased tariffs could negatively impact Canada's lumber industry and benefit US producers [4] - Replacing Canadian wood in the short term could increase housing costs [4] Potential Resolution - Canada may consider capping lumber exports to the US [4] - The US aims to increase domestic lumber production by streamlining permits and reducing bureaucracy [4]

Trade Dispute - US and Canada have been fighting over lumber since the 1980s [1] - The lumber dispute could potentially drive up housing prices [1]

Trade Relations - Canada has historically been resistant to altering its lumber trade practices [1] - The increasing aggressiveness of the Trump administration regarding trade relations with Canada may be leading to a change in the country's stance [1]

Trade Relations - Canadian officials are considering limits on softwood lumber exports to the US to ease trade tensions [1] - British Columbia's leader indicates openness to export limits [1]

Summary of Hudson Global and STAR Equity Holdings Merger Announcement Conference Call Industry and Companies Involved - **Companies**: Hudson Global (HSON) and STAR Equity Holdings (STRR) - **Industry**: Mergers and Acquisitions, Staffing and Recruitment Services Core Points and Arguments 1. **Merger Announcement**: Hudson and STAR signed a definitive merger agreement, marking a significant milestone for both companies [4] 2. **Transaction Structure**: STAR will merge into a wholly owned subsidiary of Hudson, with STAR shareholders receiving 0.23 shares of HSON for each STAR share held [5] 3. **Ownership Post-Merger**: Upon completion, Hudson shareholders will own approximately 79% of the new company (NewCo), while STAR shareholders will own about 21% [5] 4. **Financial Projections**: The merger is expected to create a larger holding company with pro forma annualized revenue exceeding $200 million and anticipated annualized cost savings of at least $2 million within 12 months [6] 5. **Growth Goals**: NewCo aims to reach $40 million in adjusted EBITDA by February 2030, based solely on organic growth [7] 6. **Operational Segments**: NewCo will consist of four reporting segments: Building Solutions, Business Services, Energy Services, and Investments [7] 7. **Strategic Advantages**: The merger is expected to enhance stock trading liquidity, market capitalization, and provide better financing terms for acquisitions [6][9] 8. **Management Structure**: The management team from both companies will lead NewCo, maintaining a decentralized operating model and a value-oriented acquisition strategy [10] Additional Important Information 1. **Regulatory Approval**: The merger is pending regulatory and shareholder approvals, anticipated to close in the second half of 2025 [6] 2. **Cost Savings Details**: Identified cost savings will come from eliminating duplicative functions, such as audits and public company costs [14][15] 3. **NOL Utilization**: NewCo will benefit from Hudson's substantial net operating losses (NOL), which will be utilized to offset taxable income [17] 4. **Market Positioning**: The merger aims to break out of "microcap purgatory," enhancing the visibility and liquidity of both companies in the market [55] 5. **Shareholder Vote**: A majority vote from both companies' shareholders is required for the merger to proceed [22][28] 6. **Dividends**: STAR's preferred stock will continue to pay dividends post-merger, with no changes to the terms [60] 7. **Future Growth Strategy**: Both companies plan to pursue organic growth and bolt-on acquisitions to enhance their market positions [37][39] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call regarding the merger between Hudson Global and STAR Equity Holdings, highlighting the strategic rationale, expected benefits, and operational plans for the newly formed entity.