PotlatchDeltic(US:PCH)2025-04-29 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total adjusted EBITDA increased by $10 million, rising from $53 million in the fourth quarter to $63 million in the first quarter [24][5][6] - The Timberlands segment's adjusted EBITDA increased from $34 million in the fourth quarter to $42 million in the first quarter [25][24] - Wood Products adjusted EBITDA rose from $9 million in the fourth quarter to $12 million in the first quarter [27][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Timberlands harvested 1.968 million tons in the first quarter, exceeding the Q1 plan by almost 170,000 tons [26][25] - Wood Products shipped 290 million board feet of lumber, which was 10 million board feet over the upper range of Q1 guidance [12][28] - Real Estate segment generated adjusted EBITDA of $23 million in the first quarter compared to $19 million in the fourth quarter [28][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Random Lengths Western SPF composite price rose by $60 during the quarter, while Southern yellow pine markets remained relatively firm [6][7] - U.S. housing starts averaged nearly 1.4 million units, with single-family homebuilding starts near 1 million units [20][19] - Existing home inventory has risen, but sales remain on pace with last year's low levels due to elevated interest rates [21][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on natural climate solutions, including solar and lithium development, with an estimated net present value of around $475 million for solar options [14][15] - The capital allocation strategy remains balanced, with share repurchases prioritized over timberland acquisitions due to the stock trading at a significant discount to net asset value [17][18] - The company anticipates a favorable long-term outlook despite near-term volatility, driven by structural tailwinds in the housing market [22][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the current lumber market is characterized by tepid demand, but expects price risks to be to the upside in the latter half of the year [41][40] - The company plans to harvest between 1.6 million and 1.7 million tons in the second quarter, with expectations for stable Southern sawlog pricing [32][33] - Management expressed confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the industry, despite current economic uncertainties [22][23] Other Important Information - The company has $447 million in liquidity, including $147 million in cash, and plans to refinance $100 million of debt maturing in August [30][24] - Capital expenditures totaled $23 million in the first quarter, with an anticipated full-year spend of $60 million to $65 million [31][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about demand trends in the new IT channel and the R&R channel? - Management described the current market environment for lumber as decent, with the South on firmer footing than the North, and noted that prices are higher in the South [37][38] Question: How would you characterize channel inventories? - Management indicated that the industry is operating at relatively low inventory levels, with some northern species experiencing a slight inventory hangover [42][43] Question: What impact did the recent tariffs have on order books? - Management stated that there was no significant change in end consumer demand, although some advanced ordering may have occurred [51][52] Question: What do you expect regarding Canadian lumber volumes with increased duties? - Management expects a mix of outcomes, with larger competitors potentially absorbing costs while smaller operators may face challenges [55][56] Question: Can you discuss the performance of the Waldo mill? - Management noted that the mill is running well, but pricing has not yet reached desired levels, with expectations for improvement as the year progresses [60][62] Question: What is the outlook for larger real estate transactions? - Management indicated that while smaller transactions are strong, larger transactions may see increased activity as clarity on NCS opportunities improves [66][68] Question: What is the timeline for solar and lithium opportunities? - Management anticipates that one or two deals may close next year, with option periods ranging from three to five years [85][86] Question: Are homebuilders switching to yellow pine due to potential duties? - Management confirmed that substitution has been occurring and is expected to continue as Southern yellow pine production grows [90][91] Question: What is the impact of cedar log prices in Idaho? - Management noted that cedar prices are driven by regional demand and customers being short on cedar [93][94] Question: How will Section 232 tariffs impact timberland valuations? - Management stated that the impact is uncertain and depends on the size and duration of the tariffs [95][94]