Rayonier Advanced Materials(RYAM) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Performance and Key Metrics - In Q1 2025, the company reported an 8% decline in revenue and a 67% reduction in adjusted EBITDA compared to Q1 2024, which was described as disappointing [5][9] - The company ended the quarter with liquidity of $272 million and a net secured debt reduction of$624 million, resulting in a net secured leverage ratio of 2.9 times covenant EBITDA [8][14] Business Segment Performance - In the Cellular Specialty segment, quarterly net sales decreased by $5 million to$201 million, with a 2% sales price increase offset by a 2% decline in sales volume [9][10] - The cellulose commodities segment saw net sales decline by $19 million to$75 million, with operating results improving by $6 million year over year to a loss of$13 million [10][11] - The new biomaterials segment maintained steady net sales at $7 million, with operating income flat at$2 million [11] - Paperboard segment net sales decreased by $4 million to$49 million, reflecting a 4% decrease in sales prices and a 3% decline in sales volumes [12] - High yield pulp segment net sales declined by $3 million to$31 million, with operating losses increasing to $7 million [12][13] Market Dynamics - The company faces significant challenges from tariffs, particularly a 25$85 million of annual revenue [7][9] - The company is actively mitigating tariff risks through customer advocacy, market diversification, and operational adjustments [17][20] Strategic Direction and Industry Competition - The company plans to focus on tariff mitigation actions and will likely pause some strategic initiatives, including debt reduction, due to cash flow uncertainties [18][29] - The biomaterials growth strategy remains intact, with expectations for continued investment in US-centric projects [18][29] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging start to 2025 and ongoing uncertainties in the global market but expressed confidence in the resilience of the core business [74][75] - Adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2025 has been lowered to a range of $175 million to$185 million, reflecting various challenges including tariff impacts and production issues [21][22] Other Important Information - The company expects to see a modest improvement in paperboard volumes due to better market access within North America, although prices remain under pressure [27][50] - Corporate costs are projected to increase year over year, primarily due to a non-cash environmental reserve charge and foreign exchange headwinds [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Conditions in the fluff pulp market with China's retaliatory tariffs - Management indicated that some Chinese customers continue to place orders but do not expect to absorb tariffs long-term, leading to a pivot towards non-tariff markets like India and Africa [31][34] Question: Evolution of volumes following Liberation Day - Management noted that volumes were lower than expected due to pre-orders and that orders resumed in May after a pause in April, with expectations for normalization by Q3 [39][43] Question: Evolution of paperboard guidance for 2025 - Management confirmed that the risk of tariffs on paperboard has reversed, and pricing is expected to decrease by approximately 5% due to increased supply [45][50]