
Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, the company reported an 8% decline in revenue and a 67% reduction in adjusted EBITDA compared to Q1 2024, which was below expectations [6][10] - The financial foundation remains solid with liquidity of $272 million and a net secured debt reduction to $624 million, resulting in a net secured leverage ratio of 2.9 times covenant EBITDA [10][16] Business Segment Performance - In the Cellular Specialty segment, quarterly net sales decreased by $5 million to $201 million, with operating income down $7 million to $31 million due to higher input costs and operational challenges [11][12] - The cellulose commodities segment saw net sales decline by $19 million to $75 million, with operating results improving by $6 million year-over-year to a loss of $13 million [12][13] - The new biomaterials segment maintained steady net sales at $7 million, with operating income flat at $2 million [13] - Paperboard segment net sales decreased by $4 million to $49 million, resulting in an operating loss of $2 million, down $10 million [14] - High yield pulp segment net sales declined by $3 million to $31 million, with operating losses increasing to $7 million due to lower market pricing and reduced volumes [15][29] Market Dynamics - The company faces significant challenges from tariffs, particularly a 25% tariff imposed by China on US-sourced cellulose commodities, affecting approximately $85 million of annual revenue [9][10] - The company is actively mitigating tariff risks through customer advocacy, market diversification, and operational adjustments [18][21] Strategic Direction - The company plans to focus on tariff mitigation actions, increase production of non-fluff commodities, and pursue high-return, low-risk strategic investments [19][30] - The biomaterials growth strategy remains intact, with key projects expected to advance and final investment decisions anticipated in the second half of the year [20][30] Management Commentary - Management acknowledged the challenging start to the year and ongoing uncertainties in the global market but expressed confidence in the resilience of the core business [81][82] - The company has lowered its full-year guidance for adjusted EBITDA to a range of $175 million to $185 million, reflecting the impact of tariffs and production issues [10][22] Other Important Information - The company expects unfavorable foreign exchange adjustments of $5 million due to a weakened US dollar against the Canadian dollar and euro [23] - Maintenance capital expenditure remains at $85 million, primarily driven by extended planned maintenance outages [24] Q&A Session Question: Conditions in the fluff pulp market with China's retaliatory tariffs - Management indicated that some Chinese customers continue to place orders but do not expect this to last long due to tariff costs, leading to a pivot towards non-tariff markets like India and Africa [35][36] Question: Evolution of volumes following Liberation Day - Management noted that volumes were lower than expected due to pre-orders and concerns about tariffs, with a significant drop in orders during April, but a resumption of orders was expected in May [40][44] Question: Evolution of paperboard guidance for 2025 - Management confirmed that the risk of tariffs on paperboard did not materialize, and pricing is expected to decrease by approximately 5% due to increased supply from new capacity [47][50]