Rayonier(RYN) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported full-year Adjusted EBITDA of $248 million for 2025, an 8% increase from 2024, exceeding prior guidance [5][6] - Fourth-quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $62 million, down from $95 million in the prior year period [10][6] - Pro forma net income for the full year was $89 million, or $0.57 per share, while fourth-quarter pro forma net income was $32 million, or $0.20 per share [6][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Southern Timber segment generated fourth-quarter Adjusted EBITDA of $32 million, down 8% year-over-year due to lower net stumpage realizations [7][12] - Pacific Northwest Timber segment reported fourth-quarter Adjusted EBITDA of $5 million, a 24% decline from the prior year, primarily due to a 26% decrease in harvest volumes [16][12] - Real estate segment achieved full-year Adjusted EBITDA of $127 million, significantly above guidance, with fourth-quarter Adjusted EBITDA of $33 million [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that rural HBU markets remained strong, contributing to the real estate segment's performance [6][19] - Pulpwood pricing in the Atlantic region faced downward pressure due to increased supply and mill closures, impacting overall demand [15][52] - The Pacific Northwest is expected to see tightening log markets due to improving demand from sawmills and constraints on Canadian supply [18][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The merger with PotlatchDeltic is expected to create a premier land resources company with a diversified timberland portfolio and enhanced operational efficiencies [3][4] - The company plans to focus on disciplined capital allocation and synergies from the merger to create long-term shareholder value [4][29] - The leadership team is implementing best practices from both companies to optimize organizational structure and enhance operational efficiency [4][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term value creation potential from the merger, despite current market challenges in timber and lumber [28][29] - The company anticipates improved demand and pricing in local markets as sawmills ramp up production in response to higher lumber prices [15][18] - Management highlighted the importance of addressing the underbuilt housing stock in the U.S. as a long-term driver for timber demand [52] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 110,000 shares at an average price of $26.31 per share prior to the merger announcement [11] - The company paid a special dividend of $1.40 per share due to taxable gains from the sale of its New Zealand joint venture [11] - The company finished 2025 with $843 million in cash and $1.1 billion in debt, maintaining a conservative leverage profile [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insights on the drivers for real estate sales in 2026? - Management noted that real estate sales are lumpy and significantly impacted by larger transactions, with strong premiums to timberland value driving performance [34][36] Question: What factors influenced the initial harvest guidance for the combined companies? - Management indicated that the guidance reflects a partial year contribution from PotlatchDeltic and aligns with Rayonier's historical sustainable yield [48][49] Question: Are there signs of stabilization in the pulpwood market? - Management acknowledged challenges in the southern timber segment but expressed optimism for long-term demand growth due to housing market dynamics [51][52] Question: What is the company's stance on M&A opportunities in the current market? - Management stated that while the timberland M&A market remains competitive, the focus is on share repurchases as the best use of capital at this time [60][61] Question: How does the company view the integration of wood products within the timberlands portfolio? - Management believes that the integrated model will benefit shareholders over time, with a focus on evaluating investment opportunities based on return potential [76][77]