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Sep 30, 2023

Sylvamo Q3 2023 Earnings Report

Sylvamo's Q3 2023 earnings exceeded expectations, driven by cost reduction measures and efficient cash flow management.

Key Takeaways

Sylvamo reported a strong third quarter with earnings exceeding expectations. The company focused on maximizing free cash flow through cost reductions, working capital management, and adjusting capital spending. They are projecting free cash flow for the year to be more than $270 million and have returned $110 million to shareowners this year.

Net income from continuing operations increased to $58 million ($1.37 per diluted share) from $49 million ($1.14 per diluted share) in the previous quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA rose to $158 million (18% margin) compared to $124 million (14% margin) in the second quarter.

Cash from operations increased to $197 million from $77 million in the previous quarter.

Free cash flow increased to $155 million from $33 million in the prior quarter.

Total Revenue
$897M
Previous year: $968M
-7.3%
EPS
$1.7
Previous year: $2.51
-32.3%
Adjusted EBITDA
$158M
Previous year: $216M
-26.9%
Free Cash Flow
$155M
Previous year: $114M
+36.0%
Effective Tax Rate
36%
Gross Profit
$232M
Previous year: $281M
-17.4%
Cash and Equivalents
$194M
Previous year: $163M
+19.0%
Free Cash Flow
$155M
Previous year: $114M
+36.0%
Total Assets
$2.79B
Previous year: $2.8B
-0.4%

Sylvamo

Sylvamo

Sylvamo Revenue by Segment

Sylvamo Revenue by Geographic Location

Forward Guidance

Sylvamo anticipates adjusted EBITDA to be between $90 million and $110 million in the fourth quarter.

Positive Outlook

  • Volume is projected to improve by $20 million to $25 million, with seasonally stronger volume in Latin America and positive trends in North America.
  • The company is focused on maximizing free cash flow.
  • The company is streamlining organization and cost structures.
  • The board of directors increased regular dividend by 20%, declaring a fourth quarter $0.30 per share dividend and a special $0.30 per share dividend.
  • The board also authorized an incremental $150 million share repurchase program.

Challenges Ahead

  • Price and mix are expected to decrease by $20 million to $25 million, primarily reflecting prior paper price decreases in Europe and unfavorable geographic mix in Latin America and North America.
  • Operations and other costs are expected to increase by $25 million to $30 million due primarily to seasonally higher costs in Europe and North America.
  • Input and transportation costs are projected to increase by $5 million to $10 million, mainly due to seasonally higher energy.
  • Total planned maintenance outage expenses are expected to increase by $25 million.
  • Lower paper prices in Europe and on exports from Latin America, as well as lower global pulp prices

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income