Core Viewpoint - BMO Capital has lowered the price target for Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LPX) to $98 from $108 while maintaining a Market Perform rating, citing attractive valuation due to recent stock pullback and strong performance in Siding products, particularly the higher-priced ExpertFinish line [1]. Financial Performance - For Q3 2025, Louisiana-Pacific reported revenue of $663 million, a decrease of over 8% compared to the same quarter last year [2]. - Siding revenue increased by $22 million, or 5%, primarily driven by a 5% rise in selling prices [2]. - Within the Siding segment, ExpertFinish net sales grew by 31% for the quarter and 24% for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, compared to the prior-year periods [2]. Strategic Focus - Louisiana-Pacific is focused on expanding its value-added product lines, especially in Siding, with long-term growth reliant on product innovation, operational efficiency, and market demand adaptation [3]. - The company emphasizes overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and is targeting international expansion, particularly in South America [3]. Product Offerings - Louisiana-Pacific manufactures engineered wood products for residential, commercial, and industrial construction, with main offerings including Siding and OSB, serving both new home construction and remodeling markets [4].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales in the quarter were down 8% compared to the prior year, with EBITDA of $82 million also down significantly, primarily due to the extended trough in OSB prices [5][6] - The company achieved $89 million of operating cash flow after $82 million of EBITDA, with $316 million in cash and over a billion dollars of liquidity [14][16] - Full-year total company EBITDA guidance has risen by $20 million from $405 million to $425 million [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Siding volume in the third quarter was flat, but Siding sales revenue grew by 5%, driven primarily by price and a strong mix [4][10] - ExpertFinish pre-finished Siding product saw sales volumes increase by 17% year over year, accounting for 10% of overall Siding volume and 17% of overall Siding revenue [5][10] - OSB business achieved 80% overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), up two points from last year, despite challenging market conditions [6][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - OSB prices remained low, barely above variable costs, driven by sluggish demand, particularly in the Southeast [13][15] - The South American business is struggling with a sluggish economy, impacting overall corporate overhead [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is exploring the conversion of its OSB mill in Maniwaki, Quebec, to Siding production, which could provide additional capacity in advance of market demand [17] - The integration of OSB and Siding businesses aims to leverage resources and improve market positioning [43] - The company is focused on managing costs and optimizing its network relative to current demand [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing share gains despite a softening market, particularly in the Siding segment [4][10] - The outlook for OSB remains challenging, with expectations of a $45 million EBITDA loss in the fourth quarter [15] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong culture and effective operations in navigating market challenges [6][8] Other Important Information - The company was named one of the 50 best manufacturers in the U.S. and one of America's most admired workplaces [6][7] - The CEO announced plans to retire in February after over 25 years of service, with confidence in the incoming president's leadership [8][9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on the potential shift from Holton to Maniwaki - Management discussed the various options for mill conversion, emphasizing the scale and cost position of Maniwaki as a viable candidate [20][24] Question: Competitive dynamics in the Siding business - Management noted that they have not seen significant disruption in the channel and are focused on their strategy to gain market share [25] Question: Pricing environment for Siding in 2026 - A price increase was announced, targeting a net increase of 3%-4% in 2026, with a focus on managing order intake to minimize inventory build [31][32] Question: Balancing capacity in the OSB market - Management indicated that OSB demand has been soft, with a focus on matching capacity to demand and optimizing costs [34] Question: Volume growth by end market in Q3 - Shed volumes were up year-over-year, while new construction segments faced challenges, particularly in southern markets [40][100] Question: ExpertFinish margins and managed order file - Margins for ExpertFinish are improving, with expectations for continued growth as capacity increases [86][91] Question: Market share gains in ExpertFinish - Management expressed confidence in the sustainability of market share gains, focusing on securing shelf space and contractor relationships [92][93]

Core Viewpoint - Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LPX) reported better-than-expected first-quarter 2025 results, with adjusted earnings and net sales surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate, although the bottom line declined year-over-year while the top line remained flat [1][4]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) were $1.27, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.13 by 12.4%, down from $1.53 in the prior year [4]. - Net sales reached $724 million, surpassing the consensus mark of $693 million by 4.5%, remaining flat year-over-year [4]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $162 million, down 11% from the prior-year quarter, primarily due to lower OSB selling prices and volumes, partially offset by higher Siding net sales [5]. Segment Analysis - **Siding Segment**: Sales increased 11% year-over-year to $402 million, driven by a 9% rise in volume and a 2% increase in average selling prices. Adjusted EBITDA for this segment was $106 million, up 17% from the previous year [6][7]. - **OSB Segment**: Sales decreased 15% year-over-year to $267 million, with a $32 million drop in selling prices and a $13 million decline in sales volumes. Adjusted EBITDA fell 40% year-over-year to $54 million [8]. - **LP South America (LPSA)**: Sales grew 11% year-over-year to $52 million, with adjusted EBITDA increasing 22% to $12 million, largely due to higher sales volumes despite unfavorable currency fluctuations [9]. Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - As of March 31, 2025, the company had $1 billion in liquidity, with cash and cash equivalents at $256 million, down from $340 million at the end of 2024. Long-term debt remained flat at $348 million [10]. - Net cash provided by operations was $64 million compared to $105 million in the same period last year [10]. - The company repurchased 0.6 million shares for $61 million during the first quarter, with $177 million remaining under share repurchase authorizations [11]. Future Outlook - For Q2 2025, LPX expects Siding net sales to range between $445 million and $455 million, reflecting 9-11% growth year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA between $110 million and $120 million [12]. - For the full year, Siding's net sales are anticipated to grow over 9%, reaching approximately $1.7 billion, with adjusted EBITDA expected between $425 and $435 million [14]. - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA is now projected to be between $535 million and $555 million, down from previous expectations [15].