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Mercer(MERC) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-13 16:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operating EBITDA for Q4 was negative $20 million, an improvement of $8 million compared to Q3, primarily due to stable production and the One Goal 100 program, despite market headwinds [3][4] - The consolidated net loss for Q4 was $309 million, or $4.61 per share, compared to a net loss of $81 million, or $1.21 per share in Q3 [13] - Total non-cash impairment charges for Q4 amounted to $260 million, or $3.22 per share, with $204 million related to the Peace River Mill [3][4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Both the pulp and solid wood segments reported negative quarterly EBITDA of $11 million in Q4 [4] - Softwood sales realizations decreased to $702 per ton from $728 per ton in Q3, while North American NBSK list prices averaged $1,568 per ton, down $132 from Q3 [5][6] - Lumber production decreased by about 6% to 109 million board feet in Q4, with sales volumes dropping to 103 million board feet, a decline of about 7% from Q3 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The NBSK net price in China declined to $671 per ton, a $19 decrease from Q3, while European NBSK prices remained stable at $1,498 per ton [5][6] - Hardwood sales realizations were flat at $528 per ton compared to Q3, with the average net price for eucalyptus hardwood increasing to $540 per ton, up $37 from Q3 [6][7] - Fiber costs for both pulp and solid wood segments remained steady in Q4, but are expected to increase in Q1 2026 due to supply constraints [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on returning the Peace River mill to profitability through strategic initiatives, including expanding softwood pulp production and exploring government support for energy generation [4][16] - The One Goal 100 program aims to improve profitability by $100 million by the end of 2026, with approximately $30 million in cost savings realized in 2025 [12][15] - The company is transitioning from hardwood to softwood production at the Peace River mill, aiming for a 50/50 split by the end of the year [46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that ongoing market headwinds and trade uncertainties are impacting operational performance, but underlying performance has improved [14][19] - The company expects modest price improvements for NBSK and NBHK in Q1, while trade uncertainty continues to affect supply-demand dynamics [20][21] - Management is optimistic about the mass timber business, expecting revenues to exceed $120 million in 2026, driven by a healthy order book [25][26] Other Important Information - The company reported an improvement in aggregate liquidity of over $54 million to $430 million, attributed to working capital management and cost reduction activities [12] - Planned capital expenditures for 2026 are expected to be between $60 million and $80 million, focusing on maintenance and environmental projects [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you say how much headroom that you have under any of your maintenance covenants as of December thirty-first? - Management is comfortable that they are well under the covenants at the end of the quarter, but expects them to tighten as the year progresses due to a weak outlook [30] Question: Any thoughts on asset recycling opportunities to expedite potential deleveraging of the balance sheet? - The company is analyzing asset sales or restructuring as part of their debt reduction plans, but acknowledges that current market conditions are not favorable for realizing reasonable value [39] Question: Is there any thought to potentially closing the Peace River mill? - The focus is on transitioning from hardwood to softwood production, which is expected to enhance profitability, and there are ongoing government-supported projects to improve the mill's performance [46][47] Question: Any updates on the extension of your two RCFs? - Discussions with lenders are ongoing, and management expects to conclude these discussions before the end of Q2 [70][71]
Mercer(MERC) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-13 16:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operating EBITDA for Q4 2025 was negative $20 million, an improvement of $8 million compared to Q3 2025, primarily due to stable production and the One Goal One Hundred program, despite market headwinds [3][4] - The company reported a consolidated net loss of $309 million for Q4 2025, or $4.61 per share, which included non-cash impairments totaling approximately $239 million [12][3] - Aggregate liquidity improved by over $54 million to $430 million, consisting of about $187 million in cash and $243 million in undrawn revolvers [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Both the pulp and solid wood segments reported negative quarterly EBITDA of $11 million in Q4 2025 [4] - Pulp sales volumes increased by 20,000 tons to 472,000 tons, while pulp production remained stable at 460,000 tons [7][19] - Lumber production decreased by about 6% to 109 million board feet, with sales volumes dropping to 103 million board feet, a decline of about 7% from Q3 2025 [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Softwood sales realizations decreased to $702 per ton, down from $728 per ton in Q3 2025, while North American NBSK list prices averaged $1,568 per ton, a reduction of about $132 [5][6] - The average net price for eucalyptus hardwood in Q4 was $540 per ton, an increase of $37 from Q3, while hardwood sales realizations remained flat at $528 per ton [6] - The average price gap between softwood and hardwood pulp in China narrowed to approximately $130 per ton [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on strategic initiatives to return the Peace River mill to profitability, including expanding softwood pulp production and exploring government support for energy generation [4][15] - The One Goal One Hundred program aims to improve profitability by $100 million by the end of 2026, with approximately $30 million in cost savings realized in 2025 [11][14] - The company is transitioning from hardwood to softwood production at the Peace River mill, aiming for a 50/50 split by the end of 2026 [47] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that ongoing market headwinds and trade uncertainties are impacting operational performance, but underlying performance has improved [13][14] - The company expects modest price improvements for NBSK and NBHK in Q1 2026, while trade uncertainty continues to affect supply-demand dynamics [19] - Management expressed confidence in the mass timber business as a growth engine, with expected revenues of over $120 million in 2026 [25][26] Other Important Information - The company plans to maintain a capital expenditure budget of $60 million to $80 million in 2026, focusing on maintenance and environmental projects [27] - The company is actively lobbying against policies that prioritize wood for biofuel over higher-value wood products [80][81] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you say how much headroom you have under any of your maintenance covenants as of December 31? - The company is comfortable that it is well under the covenants at the end of the quarter, but expects them to tighten as the year progresses [30] Question: Any thoughts on asset recycling opportunities to expedite deleveraging? - The company is analyzing asset sales or restructuring but acknowledges that current market conditions are not favorable for claiming reasonable value [40] Question: Is there any thought to potentially closing the Peace River mill? - The company is focused on transitioning from hardwood to softwood production at the Peace River mill and is working on energy projects to support profitability [47][48] Question: What are the expectations around working capital for this year? - The company expects a modest cash outflow from working capital in 2026 [51] Question: How do you see the outlook for the market, particularly for softwood pulp? - Recent developments in supply disruptions may indicate potential upward pressure on prices for both hardwood and softwood [56][58]
Mercer(MERC) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-13 16:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operating EBITDA for Q4 2025 was negative $20 million, an improvement of $8 million compared to Q3 2025, primarily due to stable production and the One Goal One Hundred program, despite market headwinds [3][4] - The consolidated net loss for Q4 2025 was $309 million, or $4.61 per share, compared to a net loss of $81 million, or $1.21 per share in Q3 2025 [13] - Total non-cash impairment charges for the quarter amounted to $260 million, or $3.22 per share, largely due to the ongoing weakness in the hardwood pulp market [3][4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Both the pulp and solid wood segments reported negative quarterly EBITDA of $11 million in Q4 2025 [4] - Pulp sales volumes increased by 20,000 tons to 472,000 tons, while pulp production remained stable at 460,000 tons [7][20] - Lumber production decreased by about 6% to 109 million board feet, with sales volumes dropping to 103 million board feet, a decrease of about 7% from Q3 2025 [10][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Softwood sales realizations decreased to $702 per ton, down from $728 per ton in Q3 2025, while North American NBSK list prices averaged $1,568 per ton, a reduction of about $132 from Q3 [5][6] - The average net price for eucalyptus hardwood in Q4 was $540 per ton, an increase of $37 from Q3, while hardwood sales realizations remained flat at $528 per ton [6][20] - The average price gap between softwood and hardwood pulp in China narrowed to approximately $130 per ton [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on strategic initiatives to return the Peace River mill to profitability, including expanding softwood pulp production and exploring government support for energy generation [4][15] - The One Goal One Hundred program aims to improve profitability by $100 million by the end of 2026, with approximately $30 million in cost savings realized in 2025 [12][14] - The company is transitioning from hardwood to softwood production at the Peace River mill, aiming for a 50/50 split by the end of 2026 [50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that ongoing market headwinds and trade uncertainties are impacting operational performance, but underlying performance has improved quarter-over-quarter [14][20] - The company expects modest price improvements for NBSK and NBHK in Q1 2026, while trade uncertainty continues to affect supply-demand dynamics [20][22] - Management expressed confidence in the mass timber business as a growth engine, with expected revenues of over $120 million in 2026 [25][27] Other Important Information - The company reported an improvement in aggregate liquidity of over $54 million to $430 million, attributed to working capital management and cost reduction activities [12] - Planned capital expenditures for 2026 are expected to be between $60 million and $80 million, focusing on maintenance and environmental projects [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you say how much headroom that you have under any of your maintenance covenants as of December thirty-first? - Management indicated comfort with being well under the covenants at the end of the quarter, but expects them to tighten as the year progresses due to a weak outlook [32] Question: Any thoughts on asset recycling opportunities to expedite potential deleveraging of the balance sheet? - Management is analyzing asset sales or restructuring as part of their debt reduction plans, but noted that current market conditions are not favorable for claiming reasonable value for assets [43] Question: Is there any thought to potentially closing the Peace River mill? - Management clarified that they are focused on transitioning the mill from hardwood to softwood production, which is expected to enhance profitability [50] Question: Any updates on the extension of your two RCFs? - Management stated that discussions with lenders are ongoing and are expected to conclude before the end of Q2 2026 [75][78] Question: How do you see the outlook for the market, particularly regarding softwood pulp? - Management acknowledged significant supply disruptions and indicated potential upward pressure on prices for both hardwood and softwood due to recent developments in Indonesia [59][60]
Interfor Reports Q4’25 Results
Globenewswire· 2026-02-12 22:00
Adjusted EBITDA loss of $29 million and Net Loss of $105 million BURNABY, British Columbia, Feb. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- INTERFOR CORPORATION (“Interfor” or the “Company”) (TSX: IFP) recorded a net loss in Q4’25 of $104.6 million, or $1.59 per share, compared to a net loss of $215.8 million, or $4.19 per share in Q3’25 and a net loss of $49.9 million, or $0.97 per share in Q4’24. Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $29.2 million on sales of $600.6 million in Q4’25 versus an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $183.8 mil ...
West Fraser(WFG) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-12 16:02
West Fraser Timber (NYSE:WFG) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 12, 2026 10:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsBen Isaacson - Managing Director and Equity ResearchChris Virostek - EVP and CFOMatt Tobin - Senior VP of Sales and MarketingSean McLaren - President and CEOSean Steuart - Equity Research AnaystConference Call ParticipantsHamir Patel - Forestry, Fertilizers & Chemicals, Building Products, and Packaging AnalystKetan Mamtora - Director and Building Products Equity Research AnalystOperatorGood morning, ladies ...
Western Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2025 Results
Globenewswire· 2026-02-10 22:30
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Western Forest Products Inc. (TSX: WEF) (“Western” or the “Company”) reported Adjusted EBITDA of negative $6.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2025. In comparison, the Company reported Adjusted EBITDA of $14.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 and Adjusted EBITDA of negative $65.9 million in the third quarter of 2025, which included a non-cash export tax expense of $59.5 million related to the determination of final duty rates from the sixt ...
Weyerhaeuser(WY) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-01-30 16:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the company reported GAAP earnings of $324 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, on net sales of $6.9 billion. Excluding special items, earnings totaled $143 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, with adjusted EBITDA of $1 billion [3] - In the fourth quarter, GAAP earnings were $74 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, on net sales of $1.5 billion. Excluding special items, the company reported a loss of $67 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, with adjusted EBITDA of $140 million [3][4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Timberlands contributed $50 million to fourth quarter earnings, with adjusted EBITDA of $114 million, a $34 million decrease compared to the third quarter, primarily due to lower sales volumes and realizations in the West [7] - Real Estate and ENR contributed $84 million to earnings in the fourth quarter, with adjusted EBITDA of $95 million, slightly higher than the prior quarter, driven by strong demand and pricing for high-value development transactions [11][12] - Wood Products reported a $78 million loss in the fourth quarter, with adjusted EBITDA at a $20 million loss, reflecting challenging lumber and OSB markets [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Western domestic market, log demand and pricing softened in the fourth quarter due to ample supply and elevated log inventories [8] - The average sales realizations for export logs to Japan were moderately higher, driven by freight-related benefits, while demand for logs softened due to elevated finished goods inventories [9] - In the South, adjusted EBITDA for Southern Timberlands was $69 million, a $5 million decrease compared to the third quarter, with stable takeaway for logs despite muted sawlog markets [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company launched an ambitious growth strategy through 2030, optimizing its Timberlands portfolio and expanding climate solutions offerings [4][6] - A new target was set to grow the Climate Solutions business to $250 million of annual EBITDA by 2030, with significant progress made in 2025 [12][13] - The company aims to enhance its timberlands portfolio and evaluate capital-efficient opportunities to drive long-term shareholder value [6][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains constructive on long-term fundamentals supporting the business, despite challenging market conditions in 2025 [6] - The company anticipates stable domestic log pricing in the first quarter, with potential upside if lumber prices improve [8][23] - The outlook for housing activity remains cautious, with expectations of modest improvement in 2026 driven by federal housing policies and lower mortgage rates [34][35] Other Important Information - The company returned $766 million to shareholders in 2025, including a 5% increase in the base dividend and $160 million in share repurchases [4][19] - The company completed divestiture transactions covering non-core timberlands for total proceeds of $406 million and expects to close another transaction for $193 million [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the pricing front, do you think the improvement for both lumber and OSB is largely a reflection of curtailments, or is underlying demand actually picking up? - Management indicated that the improvement is primarily driven by curtailment activity, with some potential for demand pickup as the spring building season approaches [42] Question: Given the strong appetite for HBU properties, how is the company approaching A&D decisions into 2026? - Management noted a solid market for timber acquisitions and divestitures, expecting continued demand for HBU transactions [52] Question: What are the operating rates in lumber and OSB, and what steps have been taken to improve profitability? - Operating rates were in the mid-70% for lumber and mid-90% for OSB, with management focused on operational excellence to navigate challenging pricing environments [62]
Trump says South Korea 'not living up' to trade deal, hikes tariffs to 25% on key imports
Fox Business· 2026-01-26 23:35
Core Viewpoint - President Trump has announced an increase in tariffs on South Korean imports of autos, lumber, and pharmaceuticals from 15% to 25%, citing South Korea's failure to comply with the trade agreement [1][5]. Group 1: Tariff Increase Details - The new tariffs will apply to various sectors including autos, lumber, and pharmaceuticals, reflecting a significant increase aimed at enforcing trade compliance [1][5]. - The increase in tariffs is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to use tariffs as leverage rather than temporary negotiating tools [8]. Group 2: Trade Agreement Context - Trump emphasized that the South Korean legislature has not approved the trade agreement, which he views as a failure to uphold the terms of the deal [2][5]. - The announcement comes as the administration awaits a Supreme Court ruling regarding the legality of certain trade duties imposed in 2025, which could impact future tariff actions [8]. Group 3: Economic Implications - Tariffs are essentially taxes on imported goods, which are typically paid by companies but often passed on to consumers through higher prices, potentially increasing the cost of living [11]. - The timeline for when the higher tariffs will take effect remains uncertain, as does South Korea's potential response to this decision [11].
Trump Raises Tariffs on South Korean Goods to 25%
Barrons· 2026-01-26 22:17
Group 1 - Tariffs on imported goods from South Korea, including autos, pharmaceuticals, and lumber, are increasing to 25% due to the lack of legislative action on the trade agreement with the U.S. [2]
Trump says he is raising tariffs on certain South Korean imports to 25%
Reuters· 2026-01-26 22:09
Core Viewpoint - President Donald Trump announced an increase in tariffs on South Korean imports related to autos, lumber, and pharmaceuticals to 25%, citing the South Korean legislature's failure to adhere to the trade agreement with the United States [1] Group 1: Tariff Details - The tariffs on South Korean imports will rise to 25% [1] - The affected sectors include autos, lumber, and pharmaceuticals [1] Group 2: Trade Agreement Context - The increase in tariffs is framed as a response to South Korea's legislature "not living up" to its trade deal obligations with the United States [1]