Rayonier Advanced Materials(RYAM) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for 2024 was $1.63 billion, a slight decline of$13 million compared to 2023 [9] - Operating income improved significantly to $39 million, an increase of$104 million over the prior year [10] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $222 million, marking an$83 million or 60% year-over-year increase [10] - Adjusted free cash flow stood at $128 million, an improvement of$75 million or 142% from 2023 [11] - Net secured debt decreased by $73 million, with a net secured leverage ratio improving to 2.7 times covenant EBITDA [11] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - High purity cellulose (HPC) segment sales declined by$11 million to $1.3 billion, despite a 5$9 million to $228 million, driven by higher volumes, but EBITDA declined by$4 million to $48 million due to lower pricing [22] - High yield pulp sales declined by$9 million to $127 million, with segment EBITDA declining by$4 million to a $5 million loss [23][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company faced challenges in the paperboard market due to new capacity and tariffs, impacting pricing and demand [66][49] - Demand for cellulose specialties is expected to see mid-single-digit percentage price increases, while sales volumes are projected to decline slightly [46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to implement new segment reporting in Q1 2025 to better reflect its evolving business and strategic direction [30] - Continued focus on debt reduction, with a target of$20 million in 2025, while exploring strategic capital investments [31] - Emphasis on advancing the biomaterials business, with significant projects planned for 2025 [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving EBITDA growth despite headwinds from tariffs and market uncertainties [17] - The company anticipates EBITDA in the range of $215 million to$235 million for 2025, factoring in the impact of tariffs [41] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining financial discipline and focusing on high-return investments for long-term value creation [108] Other Important Information - The company incurred approximately 15 million in one-time benefits in 2024 that will not recur in 2025, impacting future profitability expectations [92] - The company is actively assessing the potential financial and operational effects of tariffs across its business segments [52] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital allocation for 2025 - Management indicated that maintenance capital expenditures will be heavier in the first half of 2025 due to planned outages, while strategic capital spending will likely occur in the second half [64] Question: Sale of paperboard and high yield pulp assets - Management acknowledged challenges in selling these assets due to market conditions and tariff uncertainties, which have caused potential buyers to remain cautious [66] Question: Outlook for cellulose specialties volumes - Management noted a mid-single-digit decline in acetate demand due to destocking, while ethers demand is expected to improve [74] Question: Impact of tariffs on paperboard business - Management expects to mitigate much of the 35 million potential EBITDA impact from tariffs through various strategies, including passing costs to customers [98]