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]

Summary of the Pulp & Paper Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The Pulp & Paper industry is currently facing challenges with paper prices in China reaching year-to-date lows despite increases in pulp prices and improved seasonal demand in the third quarter [1][2] - The average paper utilization rate for virgin-based grades is below 60%, indicating significant challenges in regaining profitability for producers [1] Key Insights - The recent recovery in pulp prices, particularly for hardwood, is expected to be less aggressive than in previous cycles, with historical recoveries typically seeing a 50% increase from the bottom to peak [2] - There is aggressive pricing pressure on softwood, with discounts reported up to $50 per ton from already low levels, while hardwood price increases may not be fully realized due to reduced customer volumes [2] - A significant gap of 7.8 million tons in hardwood-softwood shipments has been observed over the last five years, with softwood shipments declining by 2.8 million tons and hardwood shipments increasing by 5 million tons [3] - The Canadian and Nordic softwood industries are noted to be in a particularly weak position within the cash cost curve [3] Market Dynamics - China's pulp imports decreased by 6% month-over-month and 5% year-over-year in August, with total imports reaching 1.9 million tons, driven by a 7% decrease in hardwood and a 5% decrease in softwood [21] - Despite the decline in imports, year-to-date imports for 2025 remain up by 7%, primarily due to higher hardwood imports [21] - The restart of Chenming pulp operations and ramp-up of other mills may lead to an increase in imports, although this will be limited by lower pulp prices [23] Pricing Trends - China's hardwood domestic resale prices were stable at $513 per ton, while domestic resale prices for softwood ranged from RMB -14 to 10 per ton, equivalent to $631-687 per ton [12] - The overall market dynamics indicate a continued preference for hardwood content among paper producers to reduce costs, which may further impact softwood demand [3] Company Ratings and Financial Metrics - The report includes a comparative table of Latin American pulp and paper companies, highlighting market capitalization, ratings, target prices, and financial metrics such as EV/EBITDA and free cash flow yield [28] - Notable companies include Suzano SA with a market cap of $12.8 billion and a "Buy" rating, and Klabin SA with a market cap of $4.2 billion and a "Neutral" rating [28] Conclusion - The Pulp & Paper industry is navigating a complex landscape characterized by pricing pressures, shifting demand dynamics, and varying performance across different regions and companies. The focus on hardwood content and the challenges faced by softwood producers are critical factors to monitor moving forward [1][2][3]