VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canfor Pulp Products Inc. (“the Company” or “CPPI”) (TSX: CFX) announced today that it will record a non-cash asset write down and impairment charge totaling approximately $106 million in its fourth quarter of 2025 results. The impairment reflects sustained declines in global US-dollar pulp list prices combined with persistent challenges in securing economically viable fibre. After taking this asset write-down and impairment charge into consider ...

Core Viewpoint - Canfor Corporation will record a non-cash asset write down and impairment charge of approximately $321 million in its fourth quarter of 2025 results, primarily affecting its lumber and pulp segments [1]. Group 1: Impairment Details - The impairment charge includes $215 million related to the lumber segment, primarily due to ongoing log supply pressures in Europe, which have led to increased log costs and reduced asset carrying values [2]. - The pulp segment accounts for $106 million of the impairment, reflecting sustained declines in global US-dollar pulp list prices and challenges in securing economically viable fiber for operations [2]. Group 2: Financial Impact - The impairment charge is non-cash in nature and does not impact Canfor's liquidity position, cash flows, or day-to-day operations [3]. Group 3: Proposed Transaction - Canfor is proposing to acquire all outstanding shares of Canfor Pulp Products Inc. that it does not already own, holding 54.8% of Canfor Pulp's shares [4]. - This acquisition is part of an arrangement agreement dated December 3, 2025, and will be discussed at a special meeting of Canfor Pulp shareholders on March 6, 2026 [4]. Group 4: Company Overview - Canfor is a global leader in manufacturing high-value low-carbon forest products, including lumber, engineered wood products, pulp and paper, and green energy [6]. - The company operates over 50 facilities across Canada, the United States, and Europe, and has a significant stake in Vida AB, Sweden's largest privately owned sawmill company [6].

We recently published an article titled 9 Best Lumber Stocks to Invest in Now. On February 2, UBS downgraded International Paper Company (NYSE:IP) to Neutral from Buy and lowered its price target to $44 from $51, citing expectations for continued estimate pressure in 2026 and 2027 due to prolonged transformation costs tied to its cost savings initiatives. The firm noted that a below-consensus first-quarter outlook suggests earnings will be weighted toward the back half of the year, with additional cost he ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operating EBITDA for Q4 was negative $20 million, an improvement of $8 million compared to Q3, primarily due to stable production and the One Goal 100 program, despite market headwinds [3][4] - The consolidated net loss for Q4 was $309 million, or $4.61 per share, compared to a net loss of $81 million, or $1.21 per share in Q3 [13] - Total non-cash impairment charges for Q4 amounted to $260 million, or $3.22 per share, with $204 million related to the Peace River Mill [3][4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Both the pulp and solid wood segments reported negative quarterly EBITDA of $11 million in Q4 [4] - Softwood sales realizations decreased to $702 per ton from $728 per ton in Q3, while North American NBSK list prices averaged $1,568 per ton, down $132 from Q3 [5][6] - Lumber production decreased by about 6% to 109 million board feet in Q4, with sales volumes dropping to 103 million board feet, a decline of about 7% from Q3 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The NBSK net price in China declined to $671 per ton, a $19 decrease from Q3, while European NBSK prices remained stable at $1,498 per ton [5][6] - Hardwood sales realizations were flat at $528 per ton compared to Q3, with the average net price for eucalyptus hardwood increasing to $540 per ton, up $37 from Q3 [6][7] - Fiber costs for both pulp and solid wood segments remained steady in Q4, but are expected to increase in Q1 2026 due to supply constraints [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on returning the Peace River mill to profitability through strategic initiatives, including expanding softwood pulp production and exploring government support for energy generation [4][16] - The One Goal 100 program aims to improve profitability by $100 million by the end of 2026, with approximately $30 million in cost savings realized in 2025 [12][15] - The company is transitioning from hardwood to softwood production at the Peace River mill, aiming for a 50/50 split by the end of the year [46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that ongoing market headwinds and trade uncertainties are impacting operational performance, but underlying performance has improved [14][19] - The company expects modest price improvements for NBSK and NBHK in Q1, while trade uncertainty continues to affect supply-demand dynamics [20][21] - Management is optimistic about the mass timber business, expecting revenues to exceed $120 million in 2026, driven by a healthy order book [25][26] Other Important Information - The company reported an improvement in aggregate liquidity of over $54 million to $430 million, attributed to working capital management and cost reduction activities [12] - Planned capital expenditures for 2026 are expected to be between $60 million and $80 million, focusing on maintenance and environmental projects [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you say how much headroom that you have under any of your maintenance covenants as of December thirty-first? - Management is comfortable that they are well under the covenants at the end of the quarter, but expects them to tighten as the year progresses due to a weak outlook [30] Question: Any thoughts on asset recycling opportunities to expedite potential deleveraging of the balance sheet? - The company is analyzing asset sales or restructuring as part of their debt reduction plans, but acknowledges that current market conditions are not favorable for realizing reasonable value [39] Question: Is there any thought to potentially closing the Peace River mill? - The focus is on transitioning from hardwood to softwood production, which is expected to enhance profitability, and there are ongoing government-supported projects to improve the mill's performance [46][47] Question: Any updates on the extension of your two RCFs? - Discussions with lenders are ongoing, and management expects to conclude these discussions before the end of Q2 [70][71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operating EBITDA for Q4 2025 was negative $20 million, an improvement of $8 million compared to Q3 2025, primarily due to stable production and the One Goal One Hundred program, despite market headwinds [3][4] - The company reported a consolidated net loss of $309 million for Q4 2025, or $4.61 per share, which included non-cash impairments totaling approximately $239 million [12][3] - Aggregate liquidity improved by over $54 million to $430 million, consisting of about $187 million in cash and $243 million in undrawn revolvers [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Both the pulp and solid wood segments reported negative quarterly EBITDA of $11 million in Q4 2025 [4] - Pulp sales volumes increased by 20,000 tons to 472,000 tons, while pulp production remained stable at 460,000 tons [7][19] - Lumber production decreased by about 6% to 109 million board feet, with sales volumes dropping to 103 million board feet, a decline of about 7% from Q3 2025 [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Softwood sales realizations decreased to $702 per ton, down from $728 per ton in Q3 2025, while North American NBSK list prices averaged $1,568 per ton, a reduction of about $132 [5][6] - The average net price for eucalyptus hardwood in Q4 was $540 per ton, an increase of $37 from Q3, while hardwood sales realizations remained flat at $528 per ton [6] - The average price gap between softwood and hardwood pulp in China narrowed to approximately $130 per ton [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on strategic initiatives to return the Peace River mill to profitability, including expanding softwood pulp production and exploring government support for energy generation [4][15] - The One Goal One Hundred program aims to improve profitability by $100 million by the end of 2026, with approximately $30 million in cost savings realized in 2025 [11][14] - The company is transitioning from hardwood to softwood production at the Peace River mill, aiming for a 50/50 split by the end of 2026 [47] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that ongoing market headwinds and trade uncertainties are impacting operational performance, but underlying performance has improved [13][14] - The company expects modest price improvements for NBSK and NBHK in Q1 2026, while trade uncertainty continues to affect supply-demand dynamics [19] - Management expressed confidence in the mass timber business as a growth engine, with expected revenues of over $120 million in 2026 [25][26] Other Important Information - The company plans to maintain a capital expenditure budget of $60 million to $80 million in 2026, focusing on maintenance and environmental projects [27] - The company is actively lobbying against policies that prioritize wood for biofuel over higher-value wood products [80][81] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you say how much headroom you have under any of your maintenance covenants as of December 31? - The company is comfortable that it is well under the covenants at the end of the quarter, but expects them to tighten as the year progresses [30] Question: Any thoughts on asset recycling opportunities to expedite deleveraging? - The company is analyzing asset sales or restructuring but acknowledges that current market conditions are not favorable for claiming reasonable value [40] Question: Is there any thought to potentially closing the Peace River mill? - The company is focused on transitioning from hardwood to softwood production at the Peace River mill and is working on energy projects to support profitability [47][48] Question: What are the expectations around working capital for this year? - The company expects a modest cash outflow from working capital in 2026 [51] Question: How do you see the outlook for the market, particularly for softwood pulp? - Recent developments in supply disruptions may indicate potential upward pressure on prices for both hardwood and softwood [56][58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operating EBITDA for Q4 2025 was negative $20 million, an improvement of $8 million compared to Q3 2025, primarily due to stable production and the One Goal One Hundred program, despite market headwinds [3][4] - The consolidated net loss for Q4 2025 was $309 million, or $4.61 per share, compared to a net loss of $81 million, or $1.21 per share in Q3 2025 [13] - Total non-cash impairment charges for the quarter amounted to $260 million, or $3.22 per share, largely due to the ongoing weakness in the hardwood pulp market [3][4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Both the pulp and solid wood segments reported negative quarterly EBITDA of $11 million in Q4 2025 [4] - Pulp sales volumes increased by 20,000 tons to 472,000 tons, while pulp production remained stable at 460,000 tons [7][20] - Lumber production decreased by about 6% to 109 million board feet, with sales volumes dropping to 103 million board feet, a decrease of about 7% from Q3 2025 [10][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Softwood sales realizations decreased to $702 per ton, down from $728 per ton in Q3 2025, while North American NBSK list prices averaged $1,568 per ton, a reduction of about $132 from Q3 [5][6] - The average net price for eucalyptus hardwood in Q4 was $540 per ton, an increase of $37 from Q3, while hardwood sales realizations remained flat at $528 per ton [6][20] - The average price gap between softwood and hardwood pulp in China narrowed to approximately $130 per ton [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on strategic initiatives to return the Peace River mill to profitability, including expanding softwood pulp production and exploring government support for energy generation [4][15] - The One Goal One Hundred program aims to improve profitability by $100 million by the end of 2026, with approximately $30 million in cost savings realized in 2025 [12][14] - The company is transitioning from hardwood to softwood production at the Peace River mill, aiming for a 50/50 split by the end of 2026 [50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that ongoing market headwinds and trade uncertainties are impacting operational performance, but underlying performance has improved quarter-over-quarter [14][20] - The company expects modest price improvements for NBSK and NBHK in Q1 2026, while trade uncertainty continues to affect supply-demand dynamics [20][22] - Management expressed confidence in the mass timber business as a growth engine, with expected revenues of over $120 million in 2026 [25][27] Other Important Information - The company reported an improvement in aggregate liquidity of over $54 million to $430 million, attributed to working capital management and cost reduction activities [12] - Planned capital expenditures for 2026 are expected to be between $60 million and $80 million, focusing on maintenance and environmental projects [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you say how much headroom that you have under any of your maintenance covenants as of December thirty-first? - Management indicated comfort with being well under the covenants at the end of the quarter, but expects them to tighten as the year progresses due to a weak outlook [32] Question: Any thoughts on asset recycling opportunities to expedite potential deleveraging of the balance sheet? - Management is analyzing asset sales or restructuring as part of their debt reduction plans, but noted that current market conditions are not favorable for claiming reasonable value for assets [43] Question: Is there any thought to potentially closing the Peace River mill? - Management clarified that they are focused on transitioning the mill from hardwood to softwood production, which is expected to enhance profitability [50] Question: Any updates on the extension of your two RCFs? - Management stated that discussions with lenders are ongoing and are expected to conclude before the end of Q2 2026 [75][78] Question: How do you see the outlook for the market, particularly regarding softwood pulp? - Management acknowledged significant supply disruptions and indicated potential upward pressure on prices for both hardwood and softwood due to recent developments in Indonesia [59][60]

Mercer International Inc. Transforming biomass into bioproducts for a more sustainable world Q4 2025 Earnings Call February 13th, 2026 Juan Carlos Bueno – President & CEO Richard Short – CFO, Executive VP & Secretary Forward-looking Statements The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements For more information regarding these risks and uncertainties, review Mercer's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission Unless required ...

Core Insights - Mercer International Inc. reported a significant decline in financial performance for Q4 2025, with an Operating EBITDA of negative $20.1 million, compared to positive $99.2 million in Q4 2024 and negative $28.1 million in Q3 2025 [2][3][8] - The company experienced a net loss of $308.7 million ($4.61 per share) in Q4 2025, a stark contrast to a net income of $16.7 million ($0.25 per share) in Q4 2024, largely due to non-cash impairments totaling $238.7 million [3][8][34] - Despite the challenging environment, the company is focused on cost reduction and operational efficiency, aiming for $100 million in savings by the end of 2026 through its "One Goal One Hundred" program [6][8][34] Financial Performance - Total revenues for Q4 2025 decreased by approximately 8% to $449.5 million from $488.4 million in Q4 2024, primarily due to lower pulp sales realizations [14][34] - Costs and expenses in Q4 2025 increased by approximately 66% to $728.0 million from $438.0 million in Q4 2024, driven by negative foreign exchange impacts, maintenance spending, and higher fiber costs [15][34] - For the full year 2025, total revenues decreased by approximately 9% to $1.868 billion from $2.043 billion in 2024, attributed to lower pulp and manufactured products sales [34][37] Segment Performance - In the pulp segment, revenues decreased by approximately 11% to $334.3 million in Q4 2025 from $375.5 million in Q4 2024, with a significant drop in Operating EBITDA to negative $11.3 million from positive $106.1 million [18][22][34] - Lumber revenues in Q4 2025 decreased by approximately 6% to $54.9 million from $58.6 million in Q4 2024, despite a 12% increase in average sales realizations to $533 per Mfbm [28][34] - The solid wood segment's overall revenues remained relatively flat at $110.2 million in Q4 2025 compared to $111.6 million in Q4 2024, with higher revenues from manufactured products offsetting declines in lumber and biofuels [27][34] Market Conditions - Softwood pulp prices in Europe remained stable, while North American and Chinese prices decreased due to weak demand and economic uncertainty [7][19] - The company anticipates a modest increase in pulp prices in early 2026 due to stable demand and global supply constraints [7][9] - The U.S. imposed a 10% global tariff on imported lumber, significantly impacting Canadian producers, which has led to sawmill closures and tighter fiber supply [10][34] Operational Initiatives - The company is shifting its production mix towards softwood pulp and engaging with government stakeholders on energy and carbon capture opportunities to address challenges in the hardwood pulp market [4][8] - The "One Goal One Hundred" program has already realized approximately $30 million in cost savings and operational improvements during 2025, with continued focus on efficiency initiatives [6][8][34] - The mass timber order book has grown, with contracts secured for large-scale data center projects, indicating potential for future revenue growth [12][34]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong operational cash flow and free cash flow in Q4 2025, even amidst a lower price cycle, indicating resilience and competitiveness in its business model [5][6] - The cash cost reached BRL 778 per ton in Q4 2025, a 3% reduction from Q3 2025, marking the lowest cash cost performance since Q4 2021 [23][24] - The company generated a positive free cash flow of $400 million in Q4 2025, reducing net debt to $12.6 billion and decreasing leverage to 3.2 times [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pulp business unit achieved record shipment volumes in Q4 2025, driven by operational excellence in the supply chain [4] - The paper and packaging business unit saw strong volumes, particularly in the U.S., with a 21% year-over-year increase in packaging prices despite declining paper prices in export markets [8][10] - The company ceased operations at its Rio Verde Mill, which had the highest cash cost in its portfolio, expecting a positive impact on 2026 results by reallocating production to more competitive mills [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Brazil, print and write paper demand increased by 1% in the first two months of Q4 2025, while paperboard demand grew by 2% [9] - The U.S. market experienced stable shipments in Q4 2025, but production increased by 2% due to new capacity, leading to pressure on operating rates [10] - In China, paper and board production increased by 17% in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024, contributing to higher demand for hardwood pulp [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company views 2025 as an inflection point for total operational disbursement (TOD), aiming to improve competitiveness and cash generation capabilities [5][29] - A comprehensive multi-year program is being implemented to enhance competitiveness, focusing on reducing total operational disbursement [24] - The company is strategically positioning inventories for Q2 2026, anticipating maintenance downtimes that will reduce output [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted a more constrictive business environment for 2026 due to changes in supply and demand dynamics, particularly in the pulp market [29] - The delay of new market pulp capacity in Indonesia and the revocation of forestry licenses are expected to tighten supply, positively impacting market dynamics [71][73] - The company anticipates a gradual decline in cash costs throughout 2026, despite challenges in the first quarter due to planned maintenance [24][60] Other Important Information - The company renewed its revolving credit facility, increasing the line from $1.3 billion to $1.8 billion while reducing costs [26] - A new buyback program was announced to acquire up to 40 million shares over the next 18 months, following a previous buyback of 15 million shares [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on pulp market dynamics in China - Management indicated that despite new pulp capacity, the net effect on supply is neutral due to lower operating rates and shutdowns, leading to a positive import trend for hardwood pulp [34][35] Question: Future CAPEX trends - Management acknowledged potential for lower CAPEX in 2026 due to non-recurring items but refrained from providing specific guidance [33][37] Question: Buyback execution strategy - The company remains focused on deleveraging but is opportunistic with buybacks, considering various market factors [41][42] Question: Potential divestments and their impact on deleveraging - Management noted that divestments are not a primary strategy for deleveraging, which will primarily come from operational improvements [43][44] Question: Paper prices in China and their impact on pulp prices - Management confirmed that while paper prices are a factor, pulp prices generally lead the market, and they expect a recovery in paper prices [48][50] Question: U.S. packaging market outlook - The company expressed confidence in its U.S. packaging business, citing stable demand and long-term contracts that insulate it from market volatility [53][55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong operational cash flow and free cash flow in Q4 2025, demonstrating resilience despite lower price cycles [5][6] - EBITDA for Q4 2025 reached $4.8 billion, an 8% increase quarter-over-quarter, supported by higher volumes and better prices in US dollar terms [15][21] - Cash costs were reported at BRL 778 per ton, marking a 3% reduction from Q3 2025, driven by lower input costs and operational stability [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pulp business unit achieved record shipment volumes in Q4 2025, with a notable price recovery in all markets, particularly in China and Asia [4][12] - The paper and packaging business unit also delivered strong volumes, with a 21% year-over-year increase in the U.S. market, despite declining paper prices in export markets [7][10] - The company ceased operations at its Rio Verde Mill, which had the highest cash cost in its portfolio, expecting a positive impact on 2026 results [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Brazil, print and write demand increased by 1% in the first two months of Q4 compared to the same period last year, while paperboard demand grew by 2% [8][9] - The U.S. market saw stable SBS shipments in Q4, but production increased by 2%, leading to pressure on operating rates [9] - International markets remained weak, with declining demand and oversupply, particularly in Europe [8][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to improve competitiveness through a multi-year program focused on reducing total operational disbursement [22][23] - The management highlighted the importance of maintaining liquidity and reducing net debt, targeting a reduction to $11 billion [40] - The joint venture with KC is progressing as planned, with expectations for closing in mid-2026 [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a more constrictive business environment for 2026 due to changes in supply and demand dynamics, particularly in the pulp market [27][68] - The delay of new market pulp capacity and revocation of forestry licenses in Indonesia are expected to tighten supply further [68] - The company anticipates a gradual decline in cash costs over the course of 2026, despite challenges in the first half of the year [22][59] Other Important Information - The company generated positive free cash flow of $400 million in Q4 2025, contributing to a reduction in net debt to $12.6 billion [24] - A new buyback program was announced to acquire up to 40 million shares over the next 18 months [26] - The company is maintaining a healthy portfolio of FX hedges, with significant potential cash adjustments expected [25] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Insights on pulp market dynamics in China - Management provided updates on the pulp market, indicating a strong demand in China and a net zero effect of verticalization in 2025, with expectations for 2.8-3 million tons of new capacity in 2026 [32][34] Question: CAPEX trends and expectations - Management discussed the potential for lower CAPEX in 2026 due to non-recurring items, but did not provide specific guidance [31][35] Question: Buyback execution strategy - The company emphasized an opportunistic approach to buybacks, focusing on leveraging its balance sheet while considering market conditions [39][40] Question: Potential divestments and their impact on deleveraging - Management indicated that divestments would focus on non-core assets, particularly in the forestry business, but emphasized that deleveraging would primarily come from operational improvements [41][42] Question: Paper prices in China and their impact on pulp prices - Management noted that while paper prices are a factor, pulp prices typically drive paper prices, and they expect a recovery in paper prices [45][49] Question: U.S. packaging market outlook - The company highlighted its strong position in the U.S. packaging market, with stable demand and protected pricing under long-term contracts [51][52]