Financial Performance - Q3 2025 vs Q3 2024 - Net sales decreased by 8% to $663 million[12] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $82 million from $153 million[12] - Adjusted EPS decreased to $036 from $122[12] Siding Segment - Q3 2025 vs Q3 2024 - Siding sales increased by 5%[12] - Siding net sales increased from $420 million to $443 million[19] - Siding adjusted EBITDA decreased from $123 million to $117 million[19] OSB Segment - Q3 2025 vs Q3 2024 - OSB adjusted EBITDA decreased from $33 million to $(27) million[23] - OSB net sales decreased from $253 million to $179 million[23] Liquidity and Capital Allocation - Total liquidity stands at $11 billion[13] - Return to shareholders was $19 million[12] 2025 Guidance - Siding revenue is expected to be approximately $370 million for Q4, representing approximately 3% growth[27] - Siding adjusted EBITDA is expected to be approximately $82 million for Q4, with a margin of approximately 22%[27] - OSB adjusted EBITDA is expected to be approximately $(45) million for Q4[27] - Total LP adjusted EBITDA is expected to be approximately $32 million for Q4[27]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - West Fraser reported an adjusted EBITDA of -$144 million for Q3 2025, indicating continued operation within an extended cycle trough [3] - The company exited the quarter with nearly $1.6 billion in available liquidity and a positive net cash position after debt [4] - Cash flow from operations was $58 million, with a net cash balance of $212 million, down from $310 million in the prior quarter [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The lumber segment posted an adjusted EBITDA of -$123 million in Q3 2025, a significant decline from $15 million in Q2 2025, primarily due to lower pricing and a $67 million duty expense [6] - The North America EWP segment reported an adjusted EBITDA of -$15 million, down from $68 million in the previous quarter, driven by lower OSB pricing [7] - The pulp and paper segment's adjusted EBITDA was -$6 million, compared to -$1 million in Q2, largely due to an annual maintenance shutdown [8] - The Europe business generated $1 million of adjusted EBITDA, similar to the $2 million reported in the second quarter [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. housing starts averaged 1.31 million units through August, indicating stable but uninspiring levels of new home construction [4] - The company noted subdued demand in repair and remodeling, continuing a trend observed in previous quarters [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a defensive capital allocation strategy, leveraging a strong balance sheet to invest countercyclically and pursue investment opportunities [5] - West Fraser has permanently removed 820 million board feet of lumber capacity, representing approximately 12% of its total capacity, to optimize its asset portfolio [11] - The company plans to maintain flexibility in its operating strategy to meet customer needs while driving down costs [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about navigating the current challenging macroeconomic conditions, supported by a strong financial position [11] - The company is preparing for a potential recovery in demand while remaining cautious about the timing and nature of such recovery [14] - Management highlighted the importance of quality in potential M&A opportunities, emphasizing a focus on enhancing strength at the bottom of the cycle [24] Other Important Information - The U.S. Department of Commerce announced final softwood lumber duty rates of 26.5%, with West Fraser having the lowest duty rate in the Canadian industry [10] - A 10% Section 232 tariff on imported softwood timber and lumber into the U.S. was imposed, effective October 14, 2025 [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Approach to managing production in lumber and North America OSB - Management discussed maintaining a variable operating strategy that aligns with economics and customer demand needs, adjusting production as necessary [19] Question: Implied Q4 operating rate for OSB - The implied operating rate for OSB in Q4 is expected to be around 80%, influenced by seasonal maintenance shutdowns [22] Question: M&A opportunities in the current down cycle - Management emphasized a quality-first approach to M&A, focusing on opportunities that enhance the company's strength [23][24] Question: Federal support for the lumber industry - Management noted ongoing discussions with the government regarding support measures for the lumber industry, but specifics were limited [29] Question: Inventory levels in the U.S. channel - Management indicated that their inventory levels are intentionally lean, with customers buying as needed [31][34] Question: Conditions in the Canadian markets - The Canadian market remains competitive, but it does not drive demand as significantly as the U.S. market [46] Question: Capital expenditures outlook - Management indicated that capital expenditures would be discussed in more detail in February 2026, with a focus on operationalizing recent major projects [49] Question: State of the Cowie facility post-fire - The Cowie facility has been repaired and is back up and running, with positive signs in the European segment [50] Question: European lumber imports and OSB demand - Management noted limited visibility on European lumber imports but observed some price improvement and demand growth in OSB [55]