Boise Cascade(US:BCC)2024-11-05 17:34Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated third quarter sales were $1.7 billion, down 7% from the third quarter of 2023 [5] - Net income was $91 million or $2.33 per share, compared to $143.1 million or $3.58 per share in the prior year quarter [5] - Wood Products sales were $453.9 million, down 12% year-over-year [7] - BMD sales were $1.6 billion, down 6% from the third quarter of 2023 [9] - Segment EBITDA for Wood Products was $77.4 million, down from $122.9 million in the previous year [8] - BMD reported segment EBITDA of $87.7 million, down from $104.9 million in the prior year [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wood Products segment saw a decrease in sales primarily due to lower EWP and plywood sales prices and higher conversion costs [8] - I-joists sales volumes were down 8% year-over-year and 10% sequentially, influenced by housing starts and competition from other products [10] - Plywood sales volume was flat year-over-year at 391 million feet, but the average net sales price decreased by 13% year-over-year [12] - BMD's gross margin percentage was 15.7%, up 50 basis points year-over-year, reflecting growth in general line sales [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total US housing starts decreased by 3% year-over-year, with single-family housing starts down 1% [5] - Single-family housing starts are outpacing 2023 levels by 10%, while multifamily starts have declined sharply [23] - Home affordability remains a challenge due to high home prices and financing costs, impacting the supply of existing housing stock [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to deploy capital through organic growth projects and returns to shareholders, with capital expenditures of $136 million in the first nine months of 2024 [18][19] - The company expects capital spending to be between $200 million and $220 million in 2025 [19] - The strategy includes ongoing investments in existing assets and the potential for M&A opportunities [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about medium to long-term housing fundamentals despite near-term uncertainties [26] - The company expects modest growth in home improvement spending in 2025 due to the aging housing stock and homeowner equity [25] - Management highlighted the importance of two-step distribution and the ability to pivot quickly in a volatile market [50] Other Important Information - The company paid $220 million in combined regular and special dividends during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 [19] - Share repurchases totaled approximately $165 million year-to-date, with an additional 1.4 million shares authorized for repurchase [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the progression of sales in BMD during the quarter? - Management noted that daily sales pace was steady through the quarter, with September impacted by two fewer sales days [29] Question: What are you hearing from major customers in BMD regarding demand and inventory levels? - Customers are proceeding cautiously, with a focus on distribution in the current market [30] Question: How do you see EWP pricing correlating with lumber pricing? - Management indicated that EWP pricing is primarily driven by demand and operating rates rather than lumber prices [33] Question: Can you discuss the performance of the BROSCO business? - The BROSCO business has performed well, exceeding expectations [51] Question: What is the timeline for the Oakdale, Louisiana plant modernization? - The project will start this week with demolition, and the plant will operate at about 50% capacity during the first quarter [43] Question: How are you approaching inventories in your distribution business? - Management emphasized the need to balance inventory levels to serve customers while preparing for seasonal slowdowns [42]