PotlatchDeltic(US:PCH)2025-07-29 17:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $52 million, down from $63 million in Q1 2025, primarily due to lower harvest volumes and higher forest management costs in the Timberland segment, along with an inventory impairment charge in Wood Products [19][3][4] - Adjusted EBITDA for the Timberlands segment decreased from $42 million in Q1 to $40 million in Q2, while Wood Products saw a drop from $12 million to $2 million [20][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Wood Products division earned $2 million in adjusted EBITDA during Q2, impacted by lower lumber prices and several nonrecurring items totaling approximately $7 million [4][22] - Timberlands harvested 1.86 million tons in Q2, with Idaho's sawlog prices increasing by 9% per ton compared to Q1, while Southern sawlog prices rose by 2% [20][21] - Real estate segment produced adjusted EBITDA of $23 million in Q2, matching Q1 results, with 7,500 acres sold at an average price of $3,100 per acre [23][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average total housing starts were just above 1.3 million units in Q2, with single-family starts around 900,000 units, indicating a stable market despite economic uncertainty [14][15] - The repair and remodel sector remains subdued, but slight gains in expenditures are forecasted for 2025 and modest growth in 2026 [16][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital allocation strategies that create long-term shareholder value, including maintaining dividends, key capital investments, and opportunistic share repurchases [12] - The company anticipates improved results in Wood Products for Q3, driven by the resolution of temporary challenges faced in Q2 [29][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about long-term fundamentals driving demand in the industry, despite near-term headwinds [18] - Lumber prices are expected to trend higher as Canadian softwood lumber duties and potential tariffs come into effect [9][18] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $56 million of its common stock in Q2 at an average price of $39 per share, marking the largest share repurchase volume in a single quarter since becoming a REIT in 2006 [12][13] - The company has $395 million in liquidity, including $95 million in cash, and plans to refinance $100 million of debt maturing in August [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the assumptions behind the forecast of flat lumber prices for Q3 despite a 9% decline quarter-to-date? - Management indicated that duties are coming into effect, which will force supply adjustments in the marketplace, leading to a gradual increase in prices [34][35] Question: Will the unfavorable costs and inventory charge in Wood Products largely go away in Q3? - Management confirmed that the challenges faced in Q2 are expected to reverse in Q3, leading to improved earnings [38][39] Question: How does the company balance near-term uncertainty with attractive discounts to NAV for share repurchases? - Management emphasized the importance of protecting dividends and the balance sheet while utilizing free cash flow for shareholder value [42][46] Question: What is the outlook for tariffs and duties on lumber? - Management speculated that a tariff may be imposed on top of the duties, based on historical actions of the administration [51][52] Question: Is the company inclined to be an incremental buyer or seller of Timberland? - Management expressed a desire to buy Timberland but noted that current prices may not yield acceptable returns, leading to a more cautious approach [88][90] Question: What are the expectations for capital expenditures in the Wood Products business? - Management indicated that opportunities exist for growth and improvement in the Wood Products business, with plans to revisit expansion opportunities later in the year [99][100]