Rayonier AM Q4 2023 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. reported a net loss of $102 million for 2023, impacted by soft demand for cellulose ethers, lower paperboard demand, and weak pricing in high-yield pulp. The company responded with cost-cutting measures and market-driven downtime, focusing on free cash flow generation and debt covenant compliance.
Net sales for 2023 were $1,643 million, a decrease of $74 million year-over-year.
The company reported a net loss of $102 million, or $(1.57) per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Adjusted EBITDA for 2023 was $139 million.
The company generated $53 million of free cash flow and remained in compliance with its debt covenants.
Rayonier AM
Rayonier AM
Rayonier AM Revenue by Segment
Forward Guidance
Rayonier Advanced Materials anticipates improved results for 2024, projecting an Adjusted EBITDA of $180 to $200 million and free cash flow of $20 to $40 million.
Positive Outlook
- Higher pricing for key cellulose specialties products
- Lower unit production costs for the High Purity Cellulose business
- Improved productivity and lower key input and logistics costs
- Commencement of operations at the new bioethanol facility in Q1 2024
- Improved results from Paperboard and High-Yield Pulp due to lower costs and higher production
Challenges Ahead
- Paperboard prices in 2024 are expected to decrease slightly as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023
- Raw material prices are expected to increase as purchased pulp prices are forecast to increase from fourth quarter 2023 levels for Paperboard
- Corporate costs are expected to be flat or increase slightly in 2024 as the Company completes the final year of its multi-year ERP implementation.
- Acetate is expected to experience moderate destocking
- Ethers volumes are anticipated to improve albeit at lower than historical levels
Revenue & Expenses
Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income