Boise Cascade (NYSE:BCC) has announced a positive start to 2024 with its first-quarter earnings call revealing consolidated sales growth and an increase in net income. The company, a leading manufacturer and distributor of building materials, reported consolidated sales of $1.6 billion, marking a 7% increase from the same period last year. Net income rose to $104.1 million, or $2.61 per share, from $96.7 million, or $2.43 per share, in the year-ago quarter.
Both the Wood Products and Building Materials Distribution (BMD) segments exhibited growth, with the latter expected to see a stronger sales pace in the second quarter despite market uncertainties. Boise Cascade anticipates an increase in Engineered Wood Products (EWP) volumes with moderate price erosion and plans to invest significantly in capital expenditures while also enhancing shareholder returns.
Key Takeaways
- Consolidated sales increased by 7% to $1.6 billion, with net income growing to $104.1 million.
- Wood Products segment sales were $468.9 million; BMD segment sales reached $1.5 billion.
- EWP volumes are expected to rise in Q2, with moderate price erosion.
- BMD sales pace likely to strengthen in Q2, despite commodity market uncertainty.
- The company plans $250-$270 million in capital expenditures for 2024.
- Additional shareholder returns are anticipated through repurchases or special dividends.
- Housing market outlook remains favorable overall.
Company Outlook
- Boise Cascade expects the housing market to maintain a favorable outlook.
- The company plans to invest $250 to $270 million in capital expenditures in 2024.
- Shareholder returns are expected to be provided via share repurchases or special dividends.
Bearish Highlights
- Plywood volumes decreased due to a shift in demand towards EWP.
- Some margin pressure expected in May due to commodity price weakness.
- Pricing pressure in EWP and millwork segments noted, influenced by competition and freight costs.
Bullish Highlights
- BMD's daily sales increased by 5% sequentially.
- The company has a 13-week average pricing mechanism for procuring OSB, aiding in cost management.
- Executives expressed confidence in the underlying earnings capability of BMD.
- National builders remain optimistic with growth expectations.
Misses
- EWP momentum was solid but slightly weaker than expected.
- Sales in April were slightly weaker after a strong March finish.
Q&A Highlights
- The company is not exiting the commodity business but aims for a specific sales mix.
- Repair and remodel activity remains above historical trends.
- Executives noted stability in the general line sector with no destocking observed.
- The company remains open to strategic acquisitions aligned with their values and strategy.
Boise Cascade's first quarter of 2024 has set a positive tone for the year, with growth in both key segments and a strong commitment to shareholder returns. The company's strategic positioning and market outlook indicate a robust approach to navigating the uncertainties in the commodity markets. With a clear focus on organic growth and potential strategic acquisitions, Boise Cascade appears well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities within the building materials industry.
InvestingPro Insights
Boise Cascade's (BCC) recent earnings report paints an optimistic picture, and a deeper dive into the company's financial health using InvestingPro data and tips can provide investors with additional context. Here are some insights that may be particularly relevant:
InvestingPro Data:
- Market Cap (Adjusted): $5.5 billion USD
- P/E Ratio (Adjusted) last twelve months as of Q4 2023: 10.5
- Revenue last twelve months as of Q4 2023: $6,838.24 million USD
InvestingPro Tips:
1. Boise Cascade holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet, which could provide financial flexibility in a market characterized by uncertainties.
2. Analysts predict the company will be profitable this year, aligning with the positive earnings report and the company's forward-looking statements.
Boise Cascade's strong balance sheet, as evidenced by its cash position relative to debt, is a significant factor for investors considering the company's ability to invest and return value to shareholders. Additionally, the positive revisions by analysts on the company's earnings for the upcoming period underscore confidence in Boise Cascade's financial performance.
For investors looking for more in-depth analysis, there are 12 additional InvestingPro Tips available for Boise Cascade at https://www.investing.com/pro/BCC. These tips provide further insights into the company's stock price movements, cash flow sustainability, and historical returns, which could be instrumental in making informed investment decisions. To access these insights, use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription.
Full transcript - Boise Cascad Llc (BCC) Q1 2024:
Operator: Good day. My name is Corey, and I will be your conference facilitator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to Boise Cascade First Quarter 2024 Conference Call. Please note all participations and in a listen only mode. After the speakers presentation there will question-and-answer session. [Operator Instructions] Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded. It is now my pleasure to introduce you to Chris Forrey, Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations, Boise Cascade. Mr. Fory, you may begin your conference.
Chris Forrey: Good morning, everyone. I would like to welcome you to Boise Cascade's First Quarter 2024 Earnings Call and Business Update. Joining me on today's call are Nate Jorgensen, our CEO; Kelly Hibbs, our CFO and Treasurer; Troy Little, Head of our Wood Products Operations; and Jeff Strom, Head of our Building Materials Distribution operations. Turning to Slide 2. This call will contain forward-looking statements. Please review the warning statements in our press release, on the presentation slides and in our filings with the SEC regarding the risks associated with these forward-looking statements. Also, please note that the appendix includes reconciliations from our GAAP net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA and segment income to segment EBITDA. I will now turn the call over to Nate.
Nate Jorgensen: Thanks, Chris. Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us for our earnings call today. I'm on Slide #3. Total U.S. housing starts only increased 1%. However, single-family starts increased 27% compared to the prior year quarter. Our consolidated first quarter sales of $1.6 billion were up 7% from first quarter of 2023. Our net income was $104.1 million or $2.61 per share compared to net income of $96.7 million or $2.43 per share in the year ago quarter. Both of our businesses delivered strong financial results during the quarter, which were influenced by seasonal factors and the relative strength of new single-family housing starts. In addition, our expanded capital spending program is progressing consistent with our expectations as we provided meaningful returns to our shareholders through share price gains, dividends and share repurchases. I want to thank our associates across the company who continue to execute our strategies that position us to serve and support each of our stakeholders. Kelly will now walk through our segment financial results and provide an update on capital allocation in more detail after which I'll provide our outlook before we take your questions. Kelly?
Kelly Hibbs: Thank you, Nate, and good morning, everyone. Wood Products sales in the first quarter, including sales to our distribution segment were $468.9 million compared to $437.4 million in first quarter 2023. Wood Products reported segment EBITDA of $95.6 million, up from EBITDA of $93.2 million reported in the year ago quarter. The increase in segment EBITDA was due primarily to higher EWP sales volumes and higher plywood sales prices. These increases were offset partially by lower EWP prices and higher wood fiber costs. BMD sales in the quarter were $1.5 billion, up 9% from first quarter 2023. BMD reported segment EBITDA of $83.6 million in the first quarter compared to segment EBITDA of $76.8 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in segment EBITDA was driven by a gross margin increase of $22.9 million, resulting primarily from higher sales volumes and improved margins on general line and commodity products. The gross margin improvement was offset partially by increased selling and distribution expenses and depreciation and amortization expense of $16.5 million and $4 million, respectively. We expect total company depreciation and amortization in 2024 to be approximately $140 million. In addition, our anticipated effective tax rate remains at 25%. Turning to Slide 5. On a year-over-year and sequential basis, first quarter volumes for LVL were up 31% and 16%, respectively, and I-joist volumes over the same comparative periods were up by 46% and 5%. Our EWP volume growth exceeded the underlying single-family housing start increases for both comparative periods. Sequential pricing for both I-joists and LVL was down 4% due to continued pricing pressure in the market. Looking forward to the second quarter, production builders have maintained optimism in spite of increasing mortgage rates, and we expect our EWP volumes to increase sequentially. On pricing, we expect sequential price erosion to moderate during the quarter. Turning to Slide 6. Our first quarter plywood sales volume in Wood Products were 372 million feet compared to 406 million feet in first quarter 2023. As expected, plywood volumes decreased during the current quarter as we shifted a higher proportion of our internally produced veneer into EWP production given improved demand for EWP. The 378 per 1,000 average plywood net sales price in the first quarter was up 3% from first quarter 2023 and up 1% sequentially. Thus far in the second quarter of 2024, plywood price realizations are consistent with our first quarter average. However, we expect downward pricing pressure as we move through the second quarter given uncertainty in the panel markets. Moving to Slide 7 and 8. BMD's first quarter sales were $1.5 billion, up 9% from first quarter 2023, driven by sales volume increases of 12%, offset partially by sales price decreases of 3%. By product line, commodity sales increased 1%. General line product sales increased 16% and sales of EWP increased 12%. Gross margin dollars increased $22.9 million when compared to the same quarter last year as higher margin dollars on general line and commodity products were offset partially by lower margin dollars generated on EWP. In addition, BMD's overall gross margin percentage was 15.1%, up 30 basis points from the 14.8% reported in the first quarter of 2023 and down 10 basis points sequentially. EBITDA margin was 5.6% for the quarter, flat with the year ago quarter and up 20 basis points sequentially. BMD sales pace thus far in second quarter 2024 has moderated slightly from the strong levels experienced in March, but is still approximately 5% above first quarter daily sales averages. Although commodity markets have created hesitancy in the marketplace currently, we anticipate our daily sales pace will strengthen as we move through the quarter, given a healthy single-family environment and seasonally better weather. Second quarter EBITDA margins will be sensitive to the ultimate sales pace for the period and the trajectory of product pricing. Moving to Slide 9. This slide shows the weak pricing environment for lumber over the last 5 quarters. As such, recent capacity reductions in certain geographies have been announced and there are speculation of additional production curtailments if weak pricing persists. Moving to Slide 10. The late first quarter increase in composite panel prices were driven by OSB due to strength in single-family starts and supply limitations. As we enter the second quarter, sharp price declines in OSB have created cautious fire behavior across panel markets in general. For our distribution business, periods of uncertainty trade both risk and opportunity. Despite the uncertainty in commodity markets currently, we will maintain our long-standing approach to having inventory on hand to support our customer base. I'm now on Slide 11. We had capital expenditures of $34 million in the first quarter with $19 million of spending in Wood Products and $15 million of spending in BMD. Our capital spending range for 2024 remains at $250 million to $270 million with the pace of spending to accelerate as we move through the year. Speaking to shareholder returns, we paid $11 million in regular dividends to shareholders and completed the repurchase of approximately $206,000 of our common shares for $27 million in the first quarter. We have approximately 1.7 million shares still available for repurchase under our share repurchase program. In addition, our Board of Directors recently approved a $0.20 per share quarterly dividend for shareholders of record as of June 3, payable June 17. In summary, our balance sheet remains very strong, and we are committed to our balanced approach to capital allocation that includes ongoing investment in our existing asset base, organic growth projects and returns to our shareholders. Looking forward, unless a meaningful M&A transaction surpluses, we would expect to return additional capital to our shareholders during the balance of 2024 via special dividends or share repurchases or a combination of the two. I will turn it back over to Nate to discuss our business outlook.
Nate Jorgensen: Thanks, Kelly. I'm on Slide #12. Current industry forecasts for 2024 U.S. housing starts are generally consistent with actual housing starts of 1.42 million in 2023 as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. Home affordability remains a challenge for many consumers due to the cost of housing combined with elevated mortgage rates. However, with low unemployment and an undersupply of existing housing stock available for sale, new residential construction is expected to remain an important source of supply for homebuyers. Recent pressures on multifamily starts are expected to continue due to increased capital cost for developers, combined with cooling rents and elevated supply. Regarding home improvement spending, the age of U.S. housing stock and elevated levels of homeowner equity have provided a favorable backdrop for repair and remodel spending. In 2023, year-over-year growth rates and renovation spending moderated due to economic uncertainty and higher borrowing costs. Our home improvement spending is expected to remain healthy compared to history, recent industry forecasts project mid-single-digit declines in 2024. Ultimately, macro environment factors, the level and expectations for mortgage rates, home affordability, home equity levels and other factors that likely influence the near-term demand environment for products we manufacture and distribute. As Kelly mentioned, we remain well positioned to invest in our existing asset base and organic growth projects in both businesses as reflected in our robust 2024 capital spending plans. Our longer-term view on housing fundamentals remains favorable, supported by demographic trends and underbuilt housing stock. As such, we remain clearly focused on the execution of our strategies and have great conviction around the investments that continue to grow the company. Thank you for joining us today and for your continued support and interest in Boise Cascade. We would welcome any questions at this time. Corey, would you please open the phone lines?
Operator: [Operator Instructions] Our first call comes from Susan Maklari of Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).
Charles Perron: This is Charles Perron in for Susan. Maybe first, talking about EWP, obviously, it's encouraging to see that the market dynamic is for the volume outlook for the coming quarters. But when you think about I-joist specifically, you've seen obviously, OSB prices rising significantly through the first quarter, obviously, being quite elevated right now, you've talked about pricing erosion on EWP moderating, which is encouraging, but how should we think about the input cost and basically the margin dynamic, especially for I-joist in the near term, considering those dynamics together?
Kelly Hibbs: Yes. Sure. Charles. So yes, we feel really good about our I-joists position in the marketplace in general. And then specific to your question around cost, yes, OSB and web stock is a meaningful input cost for I-joist. As we've spoken before, though, we do have a kind of a 13-week average pricing mechanism at which we procure our OSB. And so we kind of lagged on the way up, and we also lagged on the way down and feel good about our ability to kind of continue to manage our cost base across the EWP in general.
Charles Perron: Okay. Yes, that's helpful. And then sticking to that point about the commodity price moving. When you think about BMD specifically, how do you approach holding inventories in this environment where you see this price weakness? And what is your ability to some extent to predict that margin for the segment, let's say, in the above the historical average of 3 to 4 that you've mentioned in the past?
Kelly Hibbs: Yes. So let me kick it off here and then we'll see if Jeff or Nate want to provide some input here. So we -- we're certainly at a bit of a discovery period here. OSB has fallen significantly, still at very high levels compared to history, as you'll note. But I guess, it's fallen quite sharply. So we're still in a bit of a discovery mode there. Plywood has been stable, but yes, it's showing a little bit of weakness as well, just -- I think it's kind of correlating with OSB in that regard a little more in the south than in the West. So our ability to manage and mitigate, we're going to be in the marketplace every day. We have really good visibility of what's on the ground, what our cost position is. And we are -- we're not going to fall in love with our inventory. We're going to move it. We're going to turn it, and we'll keep continuing to work down our position. But again, we're going to be there for our customers. Anything you'd add, Jeff?
Jeff Strom: Yes. I would just add that overall, we saw this coming, and we worked really, really hard to lighten our position before it hit. So obviously, you'd always like to have a little bit less when print comes on as big it is, but we're pretty well positioned for it.
Charles Perron: Okay. That's very helpful color there. And maybe one last one. On the balance sheet. You guys repurchased some stock this quarter, which was encouraging to see considering your leverage. When you think about capital allocation going forward, is this something that we should expect more going forward? Or should we think about the dividends to remaining your favorite way of distributing capital to shareholders?
Kelly Hibbs: Yes. No, I guess I’d say it this way, Charles. So we’re committed to our approach. We’re very committed to our expanded capital program. I’d reiterate that we do expect to provide additional shareholder returns, assuming there’s no meaningful M&A surfaces. And then our playbook includes both, not share repurchases and special dividends, but it wouldn’t be appropriate in this forum to really communicate more than that in terms of timing and sizing and how that plays out exactly. But our expectation is we will we will be returning additional capital to shareholders, absent M&A in the balance of the year.
Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Mike Roxland at Truist.
Mike Roxland: Nate, Kelly, Jeff and Chris. Just want to have a follow-up on the last one. Jeff, you mentioned that you sort of saw this commodity price decline coming. So you worked really hard to lighten your physicians. Can you comment -- you say you can comment, where do backlog stand? Or where book stand, OSB, lumber, plywood relative to normal?
Jeff Strom: I would say that on the lumber side, you can get what you need relatively quickly without any issues. In OSB, I'll tell you during the run-up, it was very, very difficult to get. And now there's definitely more available and people are looking for a home for it.
Mike Roxland: Got you. But in terms of your own inventory levels and how much you have in stock relative to, let's say, where a normal level -- a normalized level of inventory would be for, let's say, was being lumber? Are you at that utilized level? Did you take it down below given the fact that you had some foresight that the turn was coming?
Jeff Strom: No, we're actually in really good shape. There's been no real reason to take any kind of position on the lumber studs. And so we say we're going to have in stock and be ready, and we do. So I think we're in a really good position there. On plywood, I think we're -- we have plenty. We're in a good spot there. In OSB, which definitely had a big run, it was tough to get. And you could tell it was slowing down a little bit. We really did work hard. So overall, I'd say we're kind of right where we should be, and it's kind of a normal level.
Nate Jorgensen: Mike, it's Nate. Maybe just to add to Jeff's comments is in these kind of environments where commodities have come off. And obviously, OSB is a most recent example. There's obviously hasn't see in the marketplace, and I think our customers and suppliers as well look to us is a bit of a safe harbor. And so they're going to go short. They're going to be buying more heavily out of warehouse, maybe instead of railcars and trucks. It goes to trucks and units. And again, we're really well supported to deliver on that. So it's important that we remain in stock and we can provide that important service and value when our customers are in need of it and today represents that opportunity.
Mike Roxland: Got it. Its great color. And then just one quick follow-up on BMD. You guys did a terrific job shifting your mix to general line and EWP while minimizing commodity, given the volatility in commodities, we're currently seeing and we have seen in the past, I mean, is there sort of a percent of commodity that you're ultimately targeting? Is it going to be 30% of BMD make 25%? And over what time frame do you -- are you looking to achieve that?
Kelly Hibbs: Yes, good question, Mike. So yes, I mean, currently, in the first quarter, we were, I guess, right around 37% of the mix. Obviously, price could influence the ultimate, how big that piece of the sales pie is. I think at the end of the day, I think we would still probably be in the mid- to low 30s when we fully execute our strategy. But we're not -- but as we've said many times, we're not exiting commodity. We're good at it. We like it. The return on invested capital is really good.
Jeff Strom: I'm just going to add to that. We absolutely have the commodity business. Now the last few weeks of print hasn't been fun. But if that share is going to go down a little bit, it's just because of the growth in the other categories. But the commodity business has been good to us, our customers rely on us, and we're going to start right in there with it.
Kelly Hibbs: Yes. And I guess I would just follow, a really good commodity sales team, great awareness of our data, and I look forward to kind of seeing how they how they navigate us through this near-term period we're working through.
Mike Roxland: Got it. One last question I'll just tie and I'll turn it over. Just, Kelly, you mentioned that your EWP volume growth this quarter exceeded the single-family start increases. Given that 80% to 85% EWP correlation to single family, where do those additional volumes had, especially given the weakness in multifamily?
Kelly Hibbs: Yes. So our volumes were heavy to single, Mike. I guess I didn't quite follow the balance of that question. Can you hear me again, please?
Mike Roxland: Sure, sure. No well. I mean so you said your EWP volumes exceeded the amount that you -- of the single-family start increases. So I guess what I'm getting at is given the fact that you have 80% to 85% of EWP goes towards single-family. What other categories did you see growth in that absorbs some of your EWP volume?
Kelly Hibbs: Yes. I mean I can’t point to it specifically, this is a bit anecdotal, for sure, but I feel really good about our ability to capture share given our – given the nice job on the manufacturing side and then also having the benefit of having a leading national distributor, I think, shows up well and helps us capture share.
Operator: Our next question comes from George Staphos of Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) Securities.
Lucas Hudson (NYSE:HUD): This is actually Lucas Hudson on for George Staphos. He is currently traveling right now. So first and foremost, thanks for the details. My first question is, what is your outlook for repair-and-remodel? And is there more momentum in do yourself projects or pro contractor? And what are the implications for BMD and Wood?
Nate Jorgensen: Lucas, it's Nate. Maybe just -- I think the theme, as we kind of described in our opening remarks is that repair and remodel has come off a bit, but it's still historically kind of above where trends shift typically are. I would say that the pro side of repair-and-remodel still is good and pretty steady, maybe relative to the weekend, the over to the shoulder crowd. So I think the overall view of repair-and-remodel is good. And I think the backdrop in terms of that, again, that aging housing stock, homeowner equity, there's still a good foundation there for them to work on. So Again, while it's off from what we experienced maybe over the last 12, 24 months, it still represents, I think, an important opportunity for our company on a range of products and services.
Lucas Hudson: That's great color. Just a quick follow-up as well. Was BMD revenue better than initially expected? And if so, what created that positive variance?
Kelly Hibbs: I would say BMD’s revenue probably came out pretty consistent with what our expectations were. I think the quarter started slower than we would have anticipated, and it finished very strong in March.
Operator: Our next call comes from the line of Ketan Mamtora of BMO.
Ketan Mamtora: First question, just following off on that. The strength that you saw in March, has that continued into April as well? Any additional color you can provide on that?
Kelly Hibbs: Yes, sure, Ketan. And so -- so yes, March was very strong. As I alluded to in the prepared comments, the sales pace for BMD was off slightly in April compared to March, but still at healthy levels. And then in terms of -- on the Wood Products manufacturing side, feeling good about the momentum in EWP, it continues to be solid. It might be a little bit weaker than what we would have anticipated, but still is solid as we head into May here.
Ketan Mamtora: Got it. That's helpful. And then, Kelly, when you talked about in BMD, daily sales being up 5% sequentially. Are there any shipping day differences that we should be mindful of between Q1 and Q2?
Kelly Hibbs: Yes, I would have factored those into my math I gave you, Ketan, but we -- there are 64 workdays in both first and second quarter.
Ketan Mamtora: Got it. So if that's the case, that would still imply BMD to be down versus last year's second quarter, if I'm just doing my math correctly?
Kelly Hibbs: Yes, that's fair. If we maintain the sales pace -- the same pace we've had in April, that would be true. Now -- but we will see how May and June plays out as we continue to see seasonally better weather and see what the ultimate activity pace, activity you run in housing is. But yes, you have the right question there.
Ketan Mamtora: Got it. And then just one last one from me. On the margin side, we talked about some margin pressure, some price pressure from EWP, OSP going down here recently, plywood, maybe. But then you also have just seasonally sort of volume leverage in Q2. As we think about margins, how would you sort of weigh in those factors as it relates to Q1's 5.6% margin?
Kelly Hibbs: Yes. So April margins were healthy. They were good. May is going to be the discovery period here around commodity prices as we've talked. So we do expect some pressure here in May. And to the extent of it, we'll depend on the duration of the weakness we've seen. But fundamentally, it doesn't change. While we might get some pressure here in the second quarter because of the commodity market. We still feel good about kind of the underlying earnings capability of BMD moving forward to be consistent with what we've been putting up of late.
Nate Jorgensen: Ketan, it's Nate. Maybe just to add to Kelly's comment is as you think about a marketplace that maybe has some hesitancy in terms of both on price and demand, again, the dependence on auto warehouse services only increases. So as you think about how that shows up for BMD, in terms of sales volume and margin performance out of warehouse, that's a clear tailwind for us as well. So I think we're well set up to do what we need to do in BMD, again, kind of no matter what the demand environment is as we go through the quarter.
Ketan Mamtora: Got it. That's helpful. And on EWP prices, you talked about the price erosion moderating. So is it fair to say that after Q2, we are sort of stable at those Q2 levels? Or it's hard to tell at this point?
Kelly Hibbs: Yes. So where we were going with that comment, Ketan, was -- we just put up sequential declines of about 4%, and we expect that to moderate. So somewhere between 0 and negative 4% is kind of our current expectation.
Ketan Mamtora: And beyond that, you would expect it to sort of stabilize or difficult to say at this point?
Kelly Hibbs: I'd say it's difficult to say. It will be depending upon market demand in that sort of environment.
Nate Jorgensen: Ketan, it’s Nate. I mean, with the EWP, it’s – the market supply and demand is really what kind of sets the framework for pricing. So it has maybe less to do with input costs more around what the market environment is. So to Kelly’s point, hard to see the second half from here, but as long as starts remain stable and steady, I think that will be favorable for the EWP pricing environment as well.
Operator: And our next question comes from Kurt Yinger of D.A. Davidson.
Kurt Yinger: Great. Thanks, and good morning, everyone. I just wanted to start off on kind of competitive dynamics between I-joist and open web at this stage. I'm just curious, is it harder than you would have thought maybe getting some of those builder customers to convert back after some of the availability-driven kind of shifts in usage. And I know it's a complex topic and a lot of different inputs, but at a high level, how would you kind of describe the pricing differential for a builder customer at this stage between the 2 products? And how does that kind of factor in?
Nate Jorgensen: Kurt, it's Nate. Yes, I would just say on the EWP, the I-joist comparison to [indiscernible] is that -- so it's not a new phenomenon. That's obviously been in place for a number of years. And I think there are times when I-Joist systems are preferred relative to play to fortress is and vice versa. I think when I look at kind of the competitive dynamic and environment today, I think I-joists systems set up well against play to fortresses, both in terms of cost as well as lead times. I think the other component that we've talked about is that when it comes to the builders, they are looking to drive cycle time out of the equation. And so when you look at an I-joist system versus either dimensional lumber or play to fortress, it's typically the speed on the construction side is superior and allows, again, the builder to drive down cycle time. So -- which is an important part of how they think about value today and going forward. So I think I-joist system EWP is well set up to compete against both dimensional lumber and Open Trusses. And again, I think that dynamic about how do we add speed and simplicity to the job site continues to be an important part of what the builder is expecting.
Kurt Yinger: Got it. And as we think about builders, trying to address affordability challenges, perhaps building smaller homes, taking complexity out. Is there any sort of current or medium-term impact do you think that has on kind of the EWP business or the relative attractiveness of those products? I mean, obviously, a smaller home potentially has some sort of volume implication. But beyond that, is there anything that kind of jumps to mind in terms of how that impacts your Wood Products business?
Nate Jorgensen: Yes. Good question. I think the -- yes, I think to your point on if the footprint is smaller, that will obviously have an influence in terms of the amount of EWP or structural materials in general that can be sold. So I think that's in place. And again, the builders are looking to take cost out. I think there are times, Kurt, that when the builders have -- for them, if they want to look at how do they lower cost, sometimes going vertical is the right answer, given the cost of land. And so if they go vertical in terms of adding a second story that creates an opportunity for EWP, obviously given that second floor construction. So yes, so I think EWP I think, is going to be an important part of it. But as we look at the trade-offs, in terms of lower square footage, that will show up in our EWP as well as the other products and services that we distribute as well.
Kurt Yinger: Got it. Okay. That's super interesting. And then just switching gears to BMD. Kelly, I thought you mentioned kind of lower gross profit dollars on EWP sales within BMD in the quarter which, I guess, is a little bit surprising considering the double-digit sales increase. So is that just a dynamic where based on how you're kind of transferring pricing and kind of the bleed in terms of sales prices there, there's a little bit of a timing mismatch may be pressuring margins? Or is there something else driving that?
Kelly Hibbs: It's not only to do-a-transfer pricing, anything like that. It's all market-based. It's just a function of the market. And as we've seen and experienced some of the pricing pressure, we see some of that in Wood Products. And then obviously, you see that in distribution as well.
Kurt Yinger: Got it. Okay. Makes sense. And then just lastly, I mean, Jeff, we've kind of seen 5 consecutive quarters now where BMD gross margins are right in that 15% ZIP code outside of what we've seen in OSB and maybe a little bit of EWP. Is there anything else that you're kind of keeping an eye on that maybe gives you concern that 15% could have some downward pressure to it? Or are you feeling pretty comfortable with those levels, given kind of the current state of the market?
Jeff Strom: Yes. Sure. There’s always competition out there is one thing I’ll say. So you have to keep your eye on that on what’s going on. But if you think about what we’ve done over the past few years and the growth that we’ve done and the capacity we’ve added, that’s all about general line and some of the millwork items, which are the higher-margin ones. And so our focus and growth on that is what’s been holding it steady. But there’s a little pressure on the millwork side. And there’s always competition and everything else. But from where we sit right now, we feel good.
Operator: Our next question comes from Reuben Garner of Benchmark.
Reuben Garner: Sorry to harp on this, but I think it's pretty critical right now. And I just want to clarify, on the inventory side, I understand you guys become more valuable in these sort of environments. You're suggesting that your customers maybe go shorter on inventory when there's uncertainty like this and commodity downside. Is that something that has already played out and is done in the first quarter? Is it something that's ongoing and impacted your business in April and you're expecting it to continue to impact the business? Can you just kind of clarify where we stand on that sort of channel destock?
Jeff Strom: I don't know if it's the destock as much as what -- if you can get it in a limited risk, why wouldn't you just buy exactly what you need when you need it? And that's what's happening. So we're seeing right now as, for example, on the OSP side as prices are decelerating. People don't want to step in and buy direct. They want to get what they need to cover as quick. And so our warehouse business, we're seeing it right now is picking back up.
Reuben Garner: Okay. And then I guess, on the general line side, last time we kind of saw a jump in rates and some uncertainty kick in the distribution channel, including yourselves got pretty conservative and destocked in some certain categories. I guess how are you thinking about that? It looks like general line had a pretty strong first quarter? Is it different this time? Are there trends that are hanging in, in some of those areas that are different than the commodity side and aren't maybe as rate sensitive as you thought? Can you just kind of update us on your thoughts there?
Jeff Strom: Yes. And in general line, the one big difference I'd say that we saw this year compared to last in the winter buy and the price increases that were announced in some products. Before people were -- last year, for example, people are hesitant to step in, they just didn't know. And this year, there was confidence of what was going to happen this year in the market. And so when those things came along, people jumped in and they purchased them. So as far as destocking goes, we don't see that. In fact, in some of the winter buys, we're starting to see people step back in and buy some more. So the general line has really been pretty stable.
Reuben Garner: Okay. Great. And then pricing, are there certain categories within BMD outside of the commodity that are facing more pressure than others? It sounds like you had some successful increases, anything going in the other direction?
Jeff Strom: Yes. I think right now, I mentioned it early. There's always some EWP pricing pressure just for competition. And then the millwork side, there's been a little bit there. And a lot of that has been driven by some of the components and things that come in from offshore and just what the freight has done and things like that. But those would probably be the 2 biggest areas that we're seeing it right now.
Reuben Garner: Okay. Congrats on a strong quarter and above.
Operator: Backup is Ketan Mamtora from BMO.
Ketan Mamtora: Just one quick one. Was there any sort of geographic variations, what you saw in Q1 or in April in terms of regions, East versus West. Anything to call out there?
Nate Jorgensen: Ketan, it's Nate. Yes, I don't -- I think it was pretty -- I mean, there's always weather-driven events that can kind of shape the first quarter. But I don't think there was anything kind of unique in terms of strength or weaknesses from a geographic perspective. I think it was pretty steady and consistent kind of across our franchise.
Ketan Mamtora: Got it. Okay. And then just one last one on capital allocation. I'm just curious sort of, obviously, the balance sheet is very strong. But as you sit here today, there's still uncertainty around kind of housing, repair-and-remodeling. So how do you sort of approach it so far as share repurchases is concerned versus kind of maintaining even more dry powder? Can you talk about sort of puts and takes there?
Kelly Hibbs: Yes, sure. I mean we have the balance sheet to execute on our expanded capital program. So anticipate we’re going to charge forward there. And that to your point, is there uncertainty in the marketplace in general, yes. But we still have plenty of dry powder to go pursue acquisitions if they make sense. And if they don’t come under fruition, again, I do expect we’ll be returning additional capital to shareholders. We’ve got – fortunately, we’ve got plenty of optionality, and we’ll be thoughtful and prudent. And again, we’ll just got to stay abreast to the market, stay abreast of M&A, and we’ll look to shareholder returns if we think that’s the right thing to do as the year develops.
Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Susan Maklari from Goldman Sachs.
Susan Maklari: I just wanted to quickly ask about the M&A pipeline. And I guess both just in terms of what you're hearing from some of your key partners in BMD today, especially maybe across the general line as they kind of look out at their businesses over the next couple of years and think about growth? And then as well as just obviously, the initiatives you've got and the potential for further acquisitions?
Kelly Hibbs: Yes. I mean, I guess, certainly, the dealer levels still quite a bit of activity there, much more fragmented marketplace than where we sit in the channel. For us, we will be aware and be acquisitive if it's the right thing to do. But I think my view is, for us, it's going to be organic. It's going to be our focus, and it's going to be the main driver of our capital deployment here at least near term and less something surfaces that we're not working on today.
Nate Jorgensen: Sue, it's Nate. Yes. I think to Kelly's point, it's -- the M&A always has to be aligned with our strategy and also our values just in terms of who we are and how we think about the marketplace. The other thing we are pretty insistent on is one plus one has to be greater than two, both in terms of the customers we serve and support as well as the supplier. So those are really important parts of -- in our equation and how we think about it. And so we'll continue to look at that lens as opportunities emerge.
Susan Maklari: Okay. All right. That's helpful. And then just one more for me. When you think about the commentary that we've from the builders this earnings season. I mean they're pretty bullish, and a lot of them have actually taken up their expectations for full year closings even with the move in rates that we've seen recently. I guess as you think about some of that coming through to your business, what do you think it could imply in terms of seasonality as we move through the next couple of quarters and just the potential for some continued strength to come through on that new home construction side?
Kelly Hibbs: Yes, you're right, Su, and you probably know better than us around the national builders. They are -- they continue to be pretty optimistic. They continue to deploy their balance sheet as necessary to get folks into homes. So they seem to be still, I don't know, on average kind of mid- to high single digits, if you will, in terms of their growth expectations. But then you balance that a little bit with the overall narrative that in some cases, it feels a little softer in terms of broadly across the marketplace. And so there's kind of -- we're kind of in an interesting period here where there's kind of multiple data points and data sets and commentary. And so it's a little interesting to kind of sort out how we -- how the market shapes for us here in the next quarter or 2.
Nate Jorgensen: Yes, I think, Sue, it’s Nate. The other thing I would comment on, I think the large production builders, national builders, public builders. I think they’re really well positioned as Kelly described is given the strength of their balance sheet. They’ve got great clarity on the marketplace, the customers they serve. And I suspect they’ll continue to grow share relative to their position as compared to others in the marketplace. So I think they’re obviously an important part of the marketplace today, and we think that, that will continue to grow over time, just given their strength and both from a financial perspective as well as their great understanding of the marketplace and what their customers need and expect.
Operator: This concludes the question-and-answer session. I would now like to turn it back to Nate Jorgensen for closing remarks.
Nate Jorgensen: Great. Thank you. We appreciate everyone joining us this morning for our update, and thank you for your continuing interest and support in Boise Cascade. Please be safe and be well. Thanks.
Operator: Thank you for your participation in today's conference. This does conclude the program, and you may now disconnect.
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