| Quarter/Year | Same-Store Sales Growth (Decline) | U.S. Same-Store Sales Growth (Decline) | | --- | --- | --- | | Q3 2022 | 4.3% | 4.5% | | Q4 2022 | (0.3%) | (0.3%) | | Q1 2023 | (4.5%) | (4.6%) | | Q2 2023 | (2%) | (0.2%) | | Q3 2023 | (3.1%) | (3.5%) | | Q4 2023 | (3.5%) | (4.0%) | | Q1 2024 | (2.8%) | (3.2%) | | Q2 2024 | (3.3%) | (3.6%) | | Q3 2024 | (1.3%) | (1.2%) | | Q4 2024 | 0.8% | 1.3% | | Q1 2025 | (0.3%) | 0.2% | | Q2 2025 | 1.0% | 1.4% | The same-store sales growth was led by a 1.4% increase ...

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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales decreased by 5% to $4.2 billion, driven by lower organic sales and commodity deflation, partially offset by growth from acquisitions [20][21] - Gross profit was $1.3 billion, a decrease of 11% compared to the prior year, with a gross margin of 30.7%, down 20 basis points [23] - Adjusted EBITDA was $506 million, down 24%, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 12%, down 300 basis points from the prior year [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Multifamily sales declined by 23%, while single-family sales decreased by 9%, attributed to lower starts activity and value per start [21] - Repair and remodel increased by 3%, driven by strength in the Mid Atlantic and South Central regions [21] - The company invested over $35 million in value-added solutions, including opening a new millwork location in Florida and upgrading plants in seven states [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Single-family starts are expected to decrease through year-end due to builders managing construction pace amid affordability concerns [10] - Multifamily remains muted due to higher input and financing costs, but it is still considered an appealing and profitable business [11] - The company anticipates a headwind to sales of $400 million to $500 million in multifamily and a headwind to EBITDA of less than $200 million [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on three key areas: customer service, operational excellence, and disciplined capital allocation [6][7] - Investments in technology, including the implementation of a single ERP system, are expected to unlock growth and efficiency opportunities [7] - The company remains committed to pursuing higher return opportunities through acquisitions, despite a slower M&A environment [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenging market environment but emphasizes the importance of operational discipline and customer service [5][10] - The company expects net sales for 2025 to be in the range of $14.8 billion to $15.6 billion, with adjusted EBITDA forecasted between $1.5 billion and $1.7 billion [28][29] - Management remains confident in the company's ability to drive long-term growth by executing its strategy and maintaining financial flexibility [29] Other Important Information - The company completed a $750 million offering of senior unsecured notes to pay down the balance on its ABL [26] - The company has a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of approximately 2.3x and a fixed charge coverage ratio of roughly 6x [26] - The company has repurchased 3.3 million shares at an average price of $118.27 per share, with $500 million remaining on its share repurchase authorization [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company strengthening its competitive position in a disappointing starts environment? - Management highlighted improvements in on-time and in-full performance, aligning closely with builders to enhance affordability and efficiency through technology [34][35] Question: What drove the sequential improvement in gross margins in Q2? - Management noted better-than-expected performance in multifamily and repair and remodel sectors contributed to the margin outperformance [40][41] Question: Can you discuss the impact of Canadian lumber tariffs on your outlook? - Management has factored in the duties into their guidance, expecting minimal impact on financial results in 2025 due to lead times on existing orders [62][64] Question: How does the company plan to balance market share and margin? - Management emphasized maintaining a fair return while being prepared to walk away from business that does not meet margin expectations [91][92] Question: What is the status of the ERP rollout and associated costs? - The ERP project went live on July 1, with expected cash expenses of $140 million in 2025, but no changes to the projection at this time [108][110]

Core Insights - West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. reported a decline in demand for wood-based building products in Q2-25, particularly in the North America Engineered Wood Products (NA EWP) segment, due to lower-than-expected spring building activity and ongoing housing affordability challenges [3][4][12] - The company experienced a decrease in sales and earnings compared to Q1-25, with Q2-25 sales at $1.532 billion and a net loss of $24 million, or $0.38 per diluted share [5][10] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2-25 was $84 million, down from $195 million in Q1-25, reflecting the impact of reduced demand and pricing pressures [5][10] Financial Performance - Q2-25 sales were $1.532 billion, an increase from $1.459 billion in Q1-25 [5] - Q2-25 earnings were a loss of $24 million compared to a profit of $42 million in Q1-25 [5] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2-25 was $84 million, representing 6% of sales, down from $195 million in Q1-25 [10][41] Market and Demand Outlook - The U.S. housing market showed a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 1.32 million housing starts in June 2025, with permits issued at 1.40 million units, indicating potential for future demand despite near-term uncertainties [14] - Long-term demand for wood products is expected to be supported by improved housing affordability, stabilization of inflation and interest rates, and an aging U.S. housing stock [13][15] - In Europe, demand for wood products is anticipated to grow in the long term, although near-term challenges persist due to geopolitical developments and inflationary pressures [15] Operational Adjustments - The company is taking steps to ensure operational flexibility and cost control in response to the current demand environment [4] - Capital expenditures in Q2-25 were $78 million, with expected total capital expenditures for 2025 projected to be between $400 million and $450 million [9][22] - The company has reduced its shipment targets for both SPF and SYP lumber due to slower demand and uncertainties related to tariffs [16][18] Segment Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for the Lumber segment was $15 million, while the NA EWP segment reported $68 million [10][42] - The Pulp & Paper segment experienced a slight loss with an Adjusted EBITDA of $(1) million [10][42] - The Europe EWP segment reported an Adjusted EBITDA of $2 million, indicating stable performance amidst market challenges [10][42]

Company Overview - Mercer International Inc. is a global forest products company with operations in Germany, the United States, and Canada [4] - The company has a consolidated annual production capacity of 2.1 million tonnes of pulp, 960 million board feet of lumber, 210,000 cubic meters of cross-laminated timber, 45,000 cubic meters of glulam, 17 million pallets, and 230,000 metric tonnes of biofuels [4] Upcoming Financial Results - Mercer International will release its second quarter results for the period ending June 30, 2025, on Thursday, July 31, 2025, after the close of the market [1] - A conference call will be hosted by Juan Carlos Bueno, President and CEO, and Richard Short, CFO and Secretary, on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10:00 am ET to discuss the results [1] Conference Call Details - The conference call will be available live over the Internet through a webcast [2] - Participants must register to join the live call and ask questions, with registration available via a specific URL [3] - A replay of the webcast will be archived and accessible through the company's website for those unable to participate live [2]

Tariffs - The company is announcing tariffs on pharmaceuticals, chips, and other big items [1] - Tariffs of 50% were imposed on steel and aluminum [1] - Lumber tariffs were recently announced [1] - The company is implementing a 50% tariff on copper [1]

Core Insights - Mercer International Inc. has received an updated ESG Risk Rating of 16.8 from Sustainalytics, improving from the previous rating of 17.4 in 2024, indicating ongoing progress in ESG risk management [1][2] - The company remains in the "low" risk category and ranks in the top 15th percentile within the global Paper and Forestry industry sector [3] - Mercer achieved a "Strong" management rating across all material ESG issues and maintained "Low" or "Negligible" risk ratings in key areas such as emissions, waste, and corporate governance [4] Company Overview - Mercer International Inc. operates in Germany, the USA, and Canada, with a consolidated annual production capacity of 2.1 million tonnes of pulp, 960 million board feet of lumber, and various other products including biofuels [6] ESG Management - The improvement in the ESG Risk Rating reflects tangible progress in managing key sustainability risks, particularly in emissions tracking and governance [5] - The Sustainalytics ESG Risk Rating assesses a company's exposure to industry-specific ESG risks and its management of those risks, classified into five categories: negligible, low, medium, high, and severe [3][8]

Core Viewpoint - West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. is set to hold an analysts' conference call to discuss its second quarter 2025 financial and operating results on July 24, 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Conference Call Details - The conference call will be chaired by Mr. Sean McLaren, President and Chief Executive Officer of West Fraser [2]. - Participants can join the call by dialing a toll-free number or through a webcast [1][2]. - The financial and operating results will be released on July 23, 2025, one day prior to the call [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with over 50 facilities across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe [3]. - The company promotes sustainable forest practices and produces a variety of products including lumber, engineered wood products, pulp, and newsprint [3]. - West Fraser's products are utilized in home construction, repair and remodeling, as well as in industrial applications and paper products [3].

Summary of Weyerhaeuser Company (WY) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - Weyerhaeuser is the largest private owner of timberlands in North America, with approximately 10.5 million acres of high-quality timberlands across the Pacific Northwest, U.S. South, and Northeast [3] - The company is also one of the largest manufacturers of wood products, including lumber and engineered wood products [3][4] Key Business Segments - The company operates in timberland, wood products manufacturing, and real estate, energy, and natural resources [4] - Weyerhaeuser aims to maximize value from its timberlands through various initiatives, including its Natural Climate Solutions business [4] Financial Performance and Targets - Weyerhaeuser has achieved $1.1 billion in timberland acquisitions since 2021, surpassing its $1 billion target [5] - The company aims to grow its Natural Climate Solutions business to $100 million in annual EBITDA by the end of 2025, having delivered $84 million last year [5][6] - The company has returned approximately $5.7 billion in cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [7] Recent Acquisitions - Weyerhaeuser announced a significant acquisition of 115,000 acres in North Carolina and Virginia for $375 million, expected to close in Q3 [11] - The acquired timberlands are projected to yield over 7 tons per acre and a cash flow yield of over 5%, enhancing the quality of Weyerhaeuser's portfolio [11][12] Market Dynamics - The timberland market remains strong, particularly for high-quality timberlands, with over $2 billion in transactions expected this year [14] - The company is actively divesting lower-quality timberlands to fund acquisitions and improve portfolio quality [12][17] Housing Market Insights - The housing market has been weaker than expected, primarily due to high mortgage rates and uncertainty around tariffs [22][23] - Single-family housing demand has been below expectations, while multifamily housing has shown signs of improvement [24][25] - Repair and remodel markets have remained steady, with potential for growth in the latter half of the year [26] Tariffs and Regulatory Environment - The U.S. administration is supportive of the timber industry, with upcoming duties on Canadian lumber expected to rise from 14% to 34% [32][33] - The increase in duties is anticipated to impact lumber prices, potentially benefiting Weyerhaeuser [34][39] OSB Market - The OSB market has faced challenges due to supply-demand imbalances and new capacity coming online [40] - Prices are expected to fluctuate based on demand and supply dynamics in the latter half of the year [41] New Projects - Weyerhaeuser is investing $500 million in a new Timber Strand facility in Arkansas, projected to generate $100 million in EBITDA [46][51] - The facility will utilize lower-cost pulp logs and is expected to enhance the company's market share in engineered wood products [44][49] Conclusion - Weyerhaeuser is strategically positioning itself for growth through acquisitions, new projects, and a focus on high-quality timberlands while navigating a challenging housing market and regulatory landscape [2][6][22]

Group 1 - West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. has renewed its $1 billion credit facility and extended its maturity from July 2028 to May 2030 [1] - The company has increased its existing term loan from $200 million to $300 million, maturing in May 2028 [1] - The renewed credit facility is undrawn and available on similar terms as the previous facility [1] Group 2 - As of the end of Q1 2025, West Fraser had over $1.4 billion in available liquidity, enhancing its near-term financial flexibility [2] - The renewal and expansion of the credit facilities further strengthen the company's liquidity position [2] Group 3 - West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with over 50 facilities across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe [3] - The company produces a variety of products including lumber, engineered wood products, pulp, and newsprint, which are used in various applications such as home construction and industrial uses [3]