Rayonier Advanced Materials(RYAM)2023-11-08 16:20Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an EBITDA of 44 million or 65% compared to the prior year, primarily due to weak demand across many product categories [66] - Sales volumes decreased by 10% to 217,000 metric tons, with commodity sales volumes rising by 37% while Cellulose Specialty (CS) volumes decreased by 36% [67] - Net debt at the end of the quarter was 5 million from the same period in 2022, but increased sequentially due to higher working capital [91] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Paperboard segment saw a decrease in sales of 2 million to 15 million, with a 31% drop in external sales prices and a 13% reduction in sales volumes, resulting in an EBITDA of negative 28 million from biomaterial sales, with a year-to-date price increase of 12% compared to the prior year [67][71] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company faced sustained weakness in demand across multiple end markets, particularly in construction markets, impacting the ethers market [15][8] - The closure of the GP Foley facility is expected to tighten the CS markets, potentially benefiting pricing negotiations in 2024 [20] - Acetates demand is anticipated to normalize in Q4, with expectations of stronger performance compared to Q3 [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to reduce debt by 325 million by 2027, with ongoing initiatives to enhance profitability and reduce leverage [78] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in a stronger Q4 due to expected improvements in demand and pricing, particularly in the CS segment [66][87] - The company anticipates a substantial working capital benefit in Q4 from aggressive inventory management [9] - Management acknowledged ongoing challenges but emphasized a commitment to enhancing profitability while reducing debt [47] Other Important Information - The company has revised its adjusted EBITDA guidance to approximately 65 million to $75 million, driven by better-than-expected working capital monetization [9][73] - The company is actively negotiating the potential sale of its paperboard and high-yield pulp assets, which are seen as valuable in the market [93] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Can you provide more color on the ethers market and its impact on demand? - Management noted that higher interest rates globally are impacting construction markets, leading to continued weakness in ethers demand through 2024 [15] Question: How did the downtime on Paperboard or High Yield Pulp lines impact the high purity line? - Management confirmed that the high purity line operated well during downtime and restarted without issues [17] Question: With the Foley mill closure, do you see potential upside in pricing negotiations for the CS segment? - Management acknowledged that the closure would tighten the CS markets, particularly impacting the other CS market, and expects improved pricing dynamics [20] Question: Can you discuss the raw material pricing situation? - Management indicated improvements in raw material pricing, particularly in caustic, and noted that wood prices are expected to decline due to industry closures [107][108] Question: Is the pricing increase in specialty cellulose due to improved market fundamentals or the Foley plant closure? - Management clarified that the pricing increase is primarily due to prior negotiations and not yet reflecting the impact of the Foley closure [38]