Boise Cascade(US:BCC)2025-08-05 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated second quarter sales were $1.7 billion, down 3% from 2024 [7] - Net income was $62 million or $1.64 per share, compared to $112.3 million or $2.84 per share in the prior year quarter [7] - Included in the results were a $7.7 million pre-tax gain on asset sales [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wood Products sales were $447.2 million, down 9% year-over-year, with segment EBITDA at $37.3 million compared to $95.1 million in the prior year [10] - Building Materials Distribution (BMD) sales were $1.6 billion, down 2% from the previous year, with segment EBITDA of $91.8 million compared to $97.1 million [10] - BMD's gross margin was 15.4%, a 60 basis point year-over-year improvement despite increased selling and distribution expenses [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. housing starts and single-family housing starts decreased by 18% compared to the prior year quarter [7] - Plywood sales volume was 356 million feet, down from 383 million feet in the second quarter of 2024 [13] - Average plywood net sales price was $342 per 1,000 feet, down 6% year-over-year [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on addressing near-term challenges while maintaining service standards and investing in sustainable growth opportunities [9] - The modernization project at the Oakdale Mill is substantially complete, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability [8] - The company aims to solidify and expand its market-leading national distribution presence [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects headwinds for residential construction activity to persist, with a range of potential EBITDA outcomes for the third quarter [19] - Long-term demand drivers for residential construction remain robust, supported by structural and generational factors [22][23] - The company anticipates consumer confidence to improve with lower interest rates and greater clarity on U.S. economic policy [23] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures for the first half of 2025 were $132 million, with a commitment to a capital spending range of $220 million to $240 million for the year [15] - The company paid $18 million in regular dividends and repurchased approximately $96 million of common stock in 2025 [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Performance gap between LVL and I-joist volumes - Management noted that LVL has better resiliency due to diverse application opportunities, while I-joist is more limited [27] Question: EWP destocking and its impact - Management indicated that purchase profiles are changing, with less mill directs and more activity in distribution [47] Question: Operating rates and EWP pricing outlook - Operating rates were in the low 80s for EWP, with expectations of a decline to 65-70% depending on demand [49] Question: Update on the strike at the Billings facility - The strike involves 19 employees at one BMD location, with no anticipated material impact on operations [51][52] Question: General line business performance - General line categories performed well, with expectations to remain strong due to customer reliance on distribution inventories [58]