Boise Cascade(US:BCC)2026-02-24 17:02Financial 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 fourth quarter of 2024 [4][6] - Consolidated fourth-quarter sales were $1.5 billion, down 7% from the fourth quarter of 2024 [5][6] - 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 [6][7] 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 [8][9] - 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 [8][9] 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% [5] - 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 [14][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its distribution business and enhancing EWP production capabilities, with significant investments made in the last three years [4][16] - The acquisition of Holden Humphrey is expected to enhance the company's footprint and product offerings in the Northeast region [20][79] 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 [20][21] - The company remains confident in long-term demand drivers for residential construction, including persistent undersupply of housing and high levels of homeowner equity [22][23] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $181 million of common stock in 2025, including $70 million in the fourth quarter [16] - Capital expenditures for 2025 were $241 million, with expectations for 2026 spending between $150 million and $170 million [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the share gains in the general line within BMD? - Management noted strong demand for general line products, achieving an all-time high in 2025, with continued growth expected [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 they are aligned with strong partners on the builder and dealer side [31] 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 [32][34] 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 region [79][80] Question: What factors could drive BMD margins back to 5%? - Management indicated that improved sales velocity and a favorable mix of products could help achieve this margin level [47][49]