Boise Cascade(US:BCC)2025-11-04 17:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated third-quarter sales were $1.7 billion, down 3% from the third quarter of 2024 [3] - Net income was $21.8 million, or $0.58 per share, compared to $91 million, or $2.33 per share, in the year-ago quarter [3] - Gross margin for the third quarter was 15.1%, a 60 basis point year-over-year decline [8] - BMD's EBITDA margin was 4.5% for the quarter, down from 5.6% in the year-ago quarter [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wood product sales in the third quarter were $396.4 million, down 13% compared to the third quarter of 2024 [5] - BMD sales in the quarter were $1.6 billion, down 1% from the third quarter of 2024 [5] - I-joist and LVL volumes were down 10% and 7% respectively compared to the year-ago quarter [6] - Plywood sales volume was $387 million compared to $391 million in the third quarter of 2024 [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. housing starts increased 2% year-over-year, while single-family housing starts decreased 3% [3] - BMD's year-over-year third-quarter sales decline of 1% was driven by a 1% decrease in price, with sales volumes flat [7] - BMD's daily sales pace in October was approximately 5% below the third-quarter sales pace [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on a two-step distribution model and enhancing its market-leading EWP and plywood franchises [4] - Capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 2025 were $187 million, with a capital spending range for 2025 at $230-$250 million [10][12] - The company is committed to a balanced deployment of capital, investing in existing assets, pursuing organic and M&A growth opportunities, and returning capital to shareholders [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects demand weakness, trade policy uncertainties, and seasonal factors to influence financial results in the fourth quarter [13] - Early industry projections for 2026 are consistent with 2025 housing starts levels, with gradual improvement expected later in the year [17] - The company anticipates that EWP prices have bottomed and expects to move prices higher as 2026 progresses [18] Other Important Information - The company paid $27 million in regular dividends in the nine months ended September 30, 2025, and repurchased approximately $120 million of common stock [12] - The board of directors authorized up to $300 million of common stock repurchases under a new share repurchase program [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the share gains in the general line part of the business? - Management noted that demand held up well in general line product categories due to significant investments in added capacity and a broader mix of products [21][22] Question: Can you discuss the competitive dynamics in EWP and pricing confidence? - Management indicated that prices have stabilized and they expect to see improvements in pricing as the demand environment improves [25][26] Question: What are the constraints for generating higher margins in BMD? - Management expressed confidence in maintaining gross margins above 15% and highlighted the importance of enriching the product mix [33][34] Question: How is the company planning to balance M&A with share repurchases? - Management stated that the priority is to invest in existing assets and pursue organic growth, while also being active with share repurchases if no meaningful M&A opportunities arise [77]