Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company generated $448 million in adjusted EBITDA with a 13% margin, and free cash flow was $44 million [8][9] - For Q4 2025, adjusted EBITDA was $125 million with a margin of 14%, and free cash flow was $38 million [10][11] - The net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio was 1.6 times, indicating a strong financial position [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Uncoated freesheet sales volume increased by 9% quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2025 [9] - Price and mix were unfavorable by $21 million in Q4, primarily due to lower paper prices in Europe and Brazilian export markets [11] - Volume increased by $18 million, largely driven by Latin America and North America [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The European industry supply and demand environment remains challenging, but there are signs of improvement as pulp prices began to rebound in Q4 2025 [12] - In North America, industry operating rates are improving, with a significant decline in imports throughout the second half of 2025 [13] - The company communicated paper price increases to customers in various regions, expecting realization to begin in Q2 2026 [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve world-class excellence in safety, employee engagement, customer centricity, operational excellence, cost leadership, and sustainability [4][5] - The flagship growth strategy focuses on investing in low-risk, high-return projects to strengthen uncoated freesheet capabilities [25] - The company plans to maintain a strong balance sheet while returning cash to shareholders and reinvesting in the business [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates 2026 will be a transition year, with expected negative adjusted EBITDA impacts in North America due to lower sales volume and one-time outage costs [19][20] - The company expects to generate over $300 million in free cash flow and greater than 15% returns on invested capital as industry conditions improve [27][72] - Management emphasized the importance of long-term value creation and disciplined capital allocation [26][72] Other Important Information - The company discontinued providing full-year adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow guidance to focus on long-term value creation [6][7] - Capital spending outlook for 2026 is expected to be $245 million, primarily for investments at the Eastover Mill [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on operations in Europe and potential margin improvement - Management highlighted successful investments at the Saillat Mill to improve product mix and emphasized the need for market price improvements for margin recovery [30][33] Question: Investor interest in capital allocation - Management noted that there has been strong support from investors regarding capital allocation priorities and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a strong balance sheet [36][38] Question: Nymölla's long-term fit - Management acknowledged the challenges faced by Nymölla but emphasized its strategic importance and potential for improvement as wood costs begin to decrease [41][42] Question: Impact of Lenzing's production scale-up on fiber costs - Management confirmed that Lenzing's project would not impact fiber costs at Neenah [48] Question: Share repurchase pause - Management explained the decision to pause share repurchases was due to anticipated capital intensity and cash flow requirements for 2026 [55][58]