Boise Cascade(US:BCC)2026-02-24 17:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Full-year net income for 2025 was $132.8 million, or $3.53 per share, compared to $68.9 million, or $1.78 per share in the prior year quarter [3][4] - Consolidated fourth-quarter sales were $1.5 billion, down 7% from the fourth quarter of 2024 [4] - Fourth-quarter net income was $8.7 million, or $0.24 per share, compared to $68.9 million, or $1.78 per share in the year-ago quarter [4][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Building Materials Distribution (BMD) sales in the fourth quarter were $1.4 billion, down 5% from the fourth quarter of 2024, with segment EBITDA of $56.4 million compared to $84.5 million in the prior year quarter [7][8] - Wood Products sales in the fourth quarter were $354 million, down 16% compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, with segment EBITDA of $12.3 million compared to $56.6 million in the year-ago quarter [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total U.S. housing starts increased by 4% year-over-year, while single-family housing starts increased by 7% compared to the prior year quarter [4] - Plywood sales volume was 354 million feet, down from 371 million feet in the fourth quarter of 2024, with average net sales price down 6% year-over-year [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on expanding its distribution business and enhancing EWP production capabilities, with significant investments made in the last three years [3][4] - The acquisition of Holden Humphrey is expected to enhance the company's footprint and product offerings in the Northeast region [19][77] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that single-family starts fell short of 2024 levels by approximately 7% and are expected to be flat or modestly down in 2026 due to affordability challenges for homebuyers [20] - The company remains confident in long-term demand drivers for residential construction, including persistent undersupply of housing and high levels of homeowner equity [22] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $181 million of common stock in 2025, including $70 million in the fourth quarter [15] - Capital expenditures for 2025 were $241 million, with expectations for 2026 spending to be between $150 million and $170 million [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the share gains in the general line within BMD? - Management noted strong demand in general line products, achieving an all-time high in 2025, with continued growth expected [27][28] Question: How is the channel positioned for EWP as builders target low single-digit volume growth? - Management indicated that restocking has begun in Q1, and strong partnerships with builders and dealers position the company well for market recovery [30] Question: What areas will the new CEO focus on? - The new CEO emphasized maintaining strategic priorities, increasing earnings stability, and becoming the employer of choice for associates [31][32] Question: Can you provide more color on the Holden Humphrey acquisition? - The acquisition is expected to enhance efficiency and access to new product categories in the Northeast, allowing for expanded relationships with key suppliers [76][78] Question: What factors will drive BMD margins back to 5%? - Management indicated that improved sales velocity, mix shift, and seasonal strength in the second and third quarters could help achieve this margin target [46][60]