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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 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 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-01 15:00
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]