Canfor Corp (CFPZF) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strategic Shifts Amidst Market Challenges

In This Article:

  • Adjusted EBITDA (Lumber Business): $22 million in Q4 2024, down from $64 million in Q3 2024.

  • Adjusted EBITDA (Pulp Business): $12 million in Q4 2024, down $7 million from the prior quarter.

  • Net Debt (Canfor Pulp): $83 million at the end of Q4 2024.

  • Net Cash (Canfor excluding Canfor Pulp and duty loan): Approximately $115 million at the end of Q4 2024.

  • Available Liquidity (Canfor Pulp): $71 million at the end of Q4 2024.

  • Capital Expenditures (Q4 2024): Approximately $137 million, including $6 million for Canfor Pulp.

  • Total Capital Spend (2024): $525 million, including $51 million for Canfor Pulp.

  • Projected Capital Spend (2025 - Lumber Business): Approximately $250 million.

  • Projected Capital Spend (2025 - Canfor Pulp): Approximately $50 million.

Release Date: March 07, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Canfor Corp (CFPZF) successfully executed strategic priorities, transforming its business structure and improving its operating cost base.

  • The company has enhanced geographic diversification, with approximately 70% of its lumber business located outside of Canada.

  • Lumber prices have steadily increased, supporting improved profitability, particularly in Western Canada.

  • Canfor Corp (CFPZF) is well-positioned to capitalize on mid- to longer-term lumber demand fundamentals.

  • The company maintains a strong balance sheet, allowing for strategic growth opportunities and share repurchases.

Negative Points

  • 2024 was an extremely challenging year, with difficult decisions to close high-cost assets in British Columbia.

  • The company faces ongoing challenges with elevated duties and tariffs, impacting 20% of its sales.

  • Global lumber demand remains tepid, with continued volatility and market uncertainty expected.

  • There is uncertainty regarding fiber supply in 2025 due to elevated softwood lumber duties and potential additional tariffs.

  • Canfor Pulp experienced a reduction in shipments and adjusted EBITDA due to the wind-down of a production line.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you discuss the margin profile of your Canadian portfolio after recent cost structure changes? A: Stephen Mackie, Chief Operating Officer, stated that while specific details won't be disclosed, the Canadian business has improved significantly. Alberta continues to perform well, and the closure of higher-cost mills in British Columbia has enhanced the portfolio's performance.

Q: Have you adjusted inventory levels in anticipation of tariffs? A: Kevin Pankratz, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, mentioned that there hasn't been a significant shift in inventory due to the recent announcement of tariffs. Any changes are modest and seasonal.

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