Q2 2026 KP Tissue Inc Earnings Call

August 13, 2026

Speaker #1: Good morning, and welcome to the KP Tissue Q2 2026 results conference call. Today's call is being recorded for replay. All participants are currently in listen-only mode.

Operator: Good morning, and welcome to KP Tissue second quarter 2026 results conference call. Today's call is being recorded for replay. All participants are currently in listen-only mode. Following the presentation, we will conduct a question and answer session. Instructions will be provided at the time for you to queue up for questions. If at any time you have difficulties hearing the conference, please press star followed by zero for operator assistance. I will now turn the call over to Doris Grbic, Director of Investor Relations. You may begin your conference.

Speaker #1: Following the presentation, we will conduct a question-and-answer session. Instructions will be provided at the time for you to queue up for questions. If at any time you have difficulties hearing the conference, please press star followed by zero for operator assistance.

Speaker #1: I will now turn the call over to Doris Jurevits, Director of Investor Relations. You may begin your conference.

Speaker #2: Thank you, operator. Good morning, everyone. And thank you for joining us to review Cougar Products' Q2 2026 financial results. With me this morning is Dino Bianco, the CEO of KP Tissue and Cougar Products, and Michael Keyes, the CFO of KP Tissue and Cougar Products.

Doris Grbic: Thank you, operator. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us to review Kruger Products' second quarter 2026 financial results. With me this morning is Dino Bianco, the CEO of KP Tissue and Kruger Products, and Michael Keays, the CFO of KP Tissue and Kruger Products. Today's discussion will include certain forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A list of risk factors can be found in our public filings. In addition, today's discussion will include certain non-GAAP financial measures. The reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measure can be found in our MD&A. The press release reporting our Q2 2026 results was published this morning and will be available on our website at kptissueinc.com. The financial statements and MD&A will also be posted on our website and on SEDAR+.

Speaker #2: Today's discussion will include certain forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A list of risk factors can be found in our public filings.

Speaker #2: In addition, today's discussion will include certain non-GAAP financial measures. The reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measure can be found in our MD&A.

Speaker #2: The press release reporting our Q2 and will be available on our website, at kptissue.com. The financial statements and MD&A will also be posted on our website, and on Cedar Plus.

Speaker #2: The investor presentation to accompany today's discussion can be found in the investor relations section of our website. I will now turn the call over to our CEO, Dino Bianco.

Doris Grbic: The investor presentation to accompany today's discussion can be found in the Investor Relations section of our website. I will now turn the call over to our CEO, Dino Bianco. Dino?

Speaker #2: Dino?

Speaker #3: Thank you, Doris. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for our second quarter earnings call for fiscal 2026. We maintain strong momentum in the second quarter of 2026, highlighted by double-digit growth year over year and adjusted EBITDA to 90.6 million dollars.

Dino Bianco: Thank you, Doris. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for our Q2 earnings call for fiscal 2026. We maintained strong momentum in Q2 2026, highlighted by double-digit growth year-over-year and adjusted EBITDA to CAD 90.6 million. This growth, achieved against an uncertain economic environment, was mainly driven by higher sales volume in the US and lower pulp prices. Revenue grew nearly 3% in Q2, reflecting strong growth from our away-from-home business. Looking ahead to H2 2026, we anticipate ongoing market softness in the Canadian consumer market, with some consumers trading down to private label products to contend with inflationary pressure. We have put in place a trademark recovery plan for H2 2026, which should deliver improving shares as we move through the year.

Speaker #3: This growth, achieved against an uncertain economic environment, was mainly driven by higher sales volume in the US and lower POL prices. Revenue grew nearly 3% in the second quarter, reflecting strong growth from our away-from-home business.

Speaker #3: Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, we anticipate ongoing market softness in the Canadian consumer market, with some consumers trading down to private label products to contend with inflationary pressure.

Speaker #3: We have put in place a trademark recovery plan for the second half of 2026, which should deliver improving shares as we move through the year.

Speaker #3: Given the recent tariff announcements reflecting affecting North America, we do not expect the impact on our business to be significant. We will continue to closely monitor the impact of potential tariffs and develop contingency plans to mitigate any associated financial risk.

Dino Bianco: Given the recent tariff announcements affecting North America, we do not expect the impact on our business to be significant. We will continue to closely monitor the impact of potential tariffs and develop contingency plans to mitigate any associated financial risk. For the longer term, we are making progress towards securing a preferred location for a new TAD facility in the Western United States. Now I'd say let's take a closer look at our quarterly numbers on slide 6. As previously mentioned, we delivered adjusted EBITDA of more than CAD 90 million in Q2 2026. This is up 25% year-over-year on a revenue of CAD 550.9 million. Revenue in Canada declined 2.6% in Q2, reflecting the market softness I mentioned earlier.

Speaker #3: For the longer term, we are making progress toward securing a preferred location for a new TAD facility in the western United States. And now, I'd say let's take a closer look at our quarterly numbers on Slide 6.

Speaker #3: As previously mentioned, we delivered adjusted EBITDA of more than $90 million in the second quarter of 2026. This is up 25% year over year on revenue of $550.9 million.

Speaker #3: Revenue in Canada declined 2.6% in the second quarter, reflecting the market softness I mentioned earlier. It should also be noted that we are facing a high comparable in Canada, with sales growth of 7.4% or 20.7 million dollars in the second quarter of 2025, which is driven by strong Made in Canada activities and promotion.

Dino Bianco: It should also be noted that we are facing a high comparable in Canada with sales growth of 7.4%, or CAD 20.7 million in Q2 2025, which was driven by strong Made in Canada activities and promotion last year. Revenue in the US remained robust, with sales growth of 9.5% in Q2 2026. Let's go to slide 7, which shows pulp average prices in Canadian dollars that increased sequentially in Q2 2026. On a year-over-year basis, NBSK average prices declined 13.4% due to continued overcapacity, while BEK average prices were up 15.2% during the same period. Again, industry analysts expect both NBSK and BEK prices to trend upwards late into 2026 and into 2027, but BEK should accelerate at a faster pace and a higher level. Let's move on to our operations on slide 8.

Speaker #3: Last year, revenue in the US remained robust, with sales growth of 9.5% in the second quarter of 2026. Let's go to slide 7, which shows POL average prices in Canadian dollars that increased sequentially in the second quarter of 2026.

Speaker #3: On a year over year basis, NBSK average prices declined 13.4% due to continued overcapacity, while BEK average prices were up 15.2% during the same period.

Speaker #3: On a year-over-year basis, NBSK average prices declined 13.4% due to continued overcapacity, while BEK average prices were up 15.2% during the same period. Analysts expect both NBSK and BEK prices to trend upwards late into 2026 and into 2027, but BEK should accelerate at a faster pace and to a higher level.

Speaker #3: Again, industry We are also pleased that our Memphis facility is delivering on key safety productivity and sustainability metrics. And finally, as previously mentioned, we are progressing toward selecting a new TAD facility in the western United States.

Speaker #3: Let's move on to our operations on slide 8. Production rates for paper machines and converting operations continue to exceed expectations across our network in Q2.

Dino Bianco: Production rates for paper machines and converting operations continue to exceed expectations across our network in Q2 and the H1 of the year in general. We are very pleased to continue to maintain a strong safety culture and strong safety results through the middle of the year. At Memphis, our new state-of-the-art converting line, which launched early in the Q2, is progressing ahead of plan, allowing us to expand our capacity and produce a wide range of high-quality tissue products for our US customers. We are also pleased that our Memphis facility is delivering on key safety, productivity, and sustainability metrics. Finally, as previously mentioned, we are progressing towards selecting a new TAD facility in the Western United States. Let's turn to slide 9 on brand support. During the Q2, we continued equity-building campaigns for our Cashmere, SpongeTowels, Scotties, and Bonterra brands.

Speaker #3: We are very pleased to continue to maintain a strong safety culture and strong safety results through the middle of the year. At Memphis, our new state-of-the-art converting line, which launched early in the second quarter, is progressing ahead of plan, allowing us to expand our capacity and produce a wide range of high-quality tissue products for our U.S. customers.

Speaker #3: Let's turn to slide 9 on brand support. During the second quarter, we continued equity-building campaigns for our Kashmir sponge towel, Scotty's, and Bontera brands.

Speaker #3: We also leveraged our Made in Canada positioning with activity supporting Kashmir and Purex bathroom tissue. In addition, we modernized our Kashmir packaging to enhance brand segmentation for our ultra-strong ultra-soft and original offerings, which should make it easier for consumers to shop our products.

Dino Bianco: We also leveraged our Made in Canada positioning with activity supporting Cashmere and Purex bathroom tissue. In addition, we modernized our Cashmere packaging to enhance brand segmentation for our ultra strong, ultra-soft, and original offerings, which should make it easier for consumers to shop our products. Also during the Q2, we launched our national and international award-winning Cashmere UltraLuxe Bathroom Guide in Montreal, recognizing exceptionally luxurious restaurants' bathrooms in the Montreal area. We also introduced several product innovations in the Q2, including the launch of SpongeTowel Napkins Premium, offering premium softness and strength in a napkin. We expanded our collection of nature-inspired, plastic-free Bonterra facial tissue boxes, created by Canadian designer and TV personality Sarah Richardson, with the introduction of single box offerings. Turn to slide 10.

Speaker #3: Also, during the second quarter, we launched our national and international award-winning Kashmir Ultra Luxe Bathroom Guide in Montreal, recognizing exceptionally luxurious restaurant bathrooms in the Montreal area.

Speaker #3: We also introduced several product innovations in the second quarter, including the launch of Sponge Napkins Premium, offering premium softness and strength in a napkin.

Speaker #3: And we expand our collection of nature-inspired plastic-free Bontera facial tissue boxes, created by Canadian designer and TV personality Sarah Richardson, with the introduction of single-box offerings.

Speaker #3: Turn to slide 10. The data presented is taken from Nielsen and shows Kruger Products' branded market share performance in Canada over a 52-week period, ended June 13, 2026.

Dino Bianco: The data presented is taken from Nielsen and shows Kruger Products' brand and market share performance in Canada over a 52-week period ended 13 June 2026. The numbers reflect a soft Canadian market due to inflationary pressures and slower population growth. We also experienced some share losses in the bathroom tissue and paper towel categories, with some consumers trading down to private label products. As previously mentioned, a share recovery plan has been put in place for the H2 of 2026, which should deliver improving shares as we move through the year. In facial tissue, we increased our leadership position to 47% of the Canadian market, supported by continued strong investments in our Scotties brand and in innovations. Let's look at Kruger Pro, our away-from-home segment, on slide 11. Q2 2026 revenue and volume grew year over year, but profitability declined slightly due to high transportation costs.

Speaker #3: The numbers reflect a soft Canadian market due to inflationary pressures and slower population growth. We also experienced some share losses in the bathroom tissue and paper towel categories, with some consumers trading down to private label products.

Speaker #3: As previously mentioned, a share recovery plan has been put in place for the second half of 2026, which should deliver improving shares as we move through the year.

Speaker #3: In facial tissue, we increased our leadership position to 47% of the Canadian market, supported by continued strong investments in our Scotty's brand and in innovations.

Speaker #3: Let's look at Kruger Pro, our away-from-home segment on slide 11. Q2 2026 revenue and volume grew year over year, but profitability declined slightly on a due to a high transportation cost.

Speaker #3: Although volume rose in both Canada and the United States in the second quarter, our U.S. business continued to drive stronger growth versus Canada. On a sequential basis, Kruger Pro delivered increased revenue, volume, and profitability.

Dino Bianco: Although volume rose in both Canada and United States in the Q2, our US business continued to drive stronger growth versus Canada. On a sequential basis, Kruger Pro delivered increased revenue volume and profitability. During the Q2, we also announced the price increase to offset inflationary impacts on our Kruger Pro business, primarily driven by higher fuel and transportation costs. Finally, strong operational performance continued to support sustained growth in the commercial market. I will now turn the call over to Michael.

Speaker #3: During the second quarter, we also announced the price increase to offset inflationary impacts on our Kruger Pro business, primarily driven by higher fuel and transportation costs.

Speaker #3: And finally, strong operational performance continued to support sustained growth in the commercial market. I will now turn the call over to Michael.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Dino, and good morning, everyone. Please turn to slide 12 for a summary of our financial performance for the second quarter of 2026.

Michael Keays: Thank you, Dino, and good morning, everyone. Please turn to slide 12 for a summary of our financial performance for Q2 2026. As Dino mentioned, we generated an adjusted EBITDA of CAD 90.6 million on sales of CAD 550.9 million in the quarter, representing strong year-over-year adjusted EBITDA growth of 25%. Net income totaled CAD 22.1 million in Q2 2026, comparable to Q2 2025. The higher adjusted EBITDA was mainly offset by unfavorable foreign exchange difference. In our quarterly segmented view, on slide 13, revenue from our Consumer business increased by 1.9% year-over-year to CAD 457.6 million. This increase was driven by higher US sales volume, partially offset by a slight decrease in Canada. In our Away-From-Home segment, revenue improved 7.4% year-over-year to CAD 93.3 million, primarily due to higher US sales volumes.

Speaker #2: As Dino mentioned, we generated an adjusted EBITDA of $90.6 million on sales of $550.9 million in the quarter, representing strong year-over-year adjusted EBITDA growth of 25%.

Speaker #2: Net income totaled 22.1 million in Q2 2026, comparable to the second quarter of 2025. The higher adjusted EBITDA was mainly offset by unfavorable foreign exchange difference.

Speaker #2: In our quarterly segmented view, on slide 13, revenue from our Consumer business increased by 1.9% year over year to $457.6 million. This increase was driven by higher US sales volume, partially offset by a slight decrease in Canada.

Speaker #2: In our away-from-home segment, revenue improved 7.4% year over year to 93.3 million, primarily due to higher US sales volume. Consumer adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter totaled 85.3 million, compared to 69.2 million in Q2 2025, with a margin of 18.6%, representing an improvement of 3 points over the same period last year.

Michael Keays: Consumer adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter totaled CAD 85.3 million compared to CAD 69.2 million in Q2 2025, with a margin of 18.6%, representing an improvement of 3 points over the same period last year. On a sequential basis, Consumer adjusted EBITDA increased by CAD 1.4 million from Q1 2026. For our Away-From-Home segment, adjusted EBITDA amounted to CAD 8.5 million, compared to CAD 9 million in Q2 2025, with a margin declining by 1 point year-over-year to 9.1%. Sequentially, AFH adjusted EBITDA increased CAD 2.2 million from Q1 2026. Moving on to slide 14, we show our consolidated revenue for Q2 2026, which reached CAD 550.9 million, up by 2.8% year-over-year. The increase was primarily due to higher US Consumer and AFH sales volume, partially offset by lower Consumer volume in Canada. On a geographic basis, revenue in Canada declined CAD 7.7 million, or 2.6% year-over-year, while US revenue increased CAD 22.5 million or 9.5%.

Speaker #2: On a sequential basis, consumer adjusted EBITDA increased by 1.4 million from Q1 2026. For our away-from-home segment, adjusted EBITDA amounted to 8.5 million, compared to 9 million in Q2 2025, with a margin declining by 1 point year over year to 9.1%.

Speaker #2: Sequentially, AFH adjusted EBITDA increased $2.2 million from Q1 2026. Moving on to slide 14, we show our consolidated revenue for Q2 2026, which reached $550.9 million, up by 2.8% year over year.

Speaker #2: The increase was primarily due to higher US consumer and AFH sales volume, partially offset by a lower consumer volume in Canada. On a geographic basis, revenue in Canada declined 7.7 million or 2.6% year over year, while US revenue increased 22.5 million or 9.5%.

Michael Keays: The increase was primarily due to higher US Consumer and AFH sales volume, partially offset by lower Consumer volume in Canada. On a geographic basis, revenue in Canada declined CAD 7.7 million, or 2.6% year-over-year, while US revenue increased CAD 22.5 million or 9.5%. On slide 15, we provide details of our year-over-year profitability.

Speaker #2: On slide 15, we provide details of our year-over-year profitability, the adjusted EBITDA increase 18.1 million to 90.6 million, resulting in a margin of 16.4%, compared to 13.5% for the same period last year.

Michael Keays: On slide 15, we provide details of our year-over-year profitability. The adjusted EBITDA increased CAD 18.1 million to CAD 90.6 million, resulting in a margin of 16.4%, compared to 13.5% for the same period last year. The year-over-year increase was driven by improved mill performance at the Memphis facility, higher sales volume, and lower pulp prices, partially offset by elevated freight costs and greater SG&A expenses. Now let's turn to slide 16, where we compare Q2 revenue to Q1 2026. Revenue increased CAD 6.3 million sequentially, or 1.1%, primarily due to higher AFH sales volume. Geographically, revenue in Canada increased by CAD 3 million, or 1%, while US revenue rose by CAD 3.3 million or 1.3%. On slide 17, adjusted EBITDA improved sequentially by CAD 3.7 million or 4.2% to CAD 90.6 million, and these were mainly due to lower manufacturing overhead costs, higher AFH sales volume, and lower marketing expenses.

Michael Keays: The adjusted EBITDA increased CAD 18.1 million to CAD 90.6 million, resulting in a margin of 16.4%, compared to 13.5% for the same period last year. The year-over-year increase was driven by improved mill performance at the Memphis facility, higher sales volume, and lower pulp prices, partially offset by elevated freight costs and greater SG&A expenses. Now let's turn to slide 16, where we compare Q2 revenue to Q1 2026. Revenue increased CAD 6.3 million sequentially, or 1.1%, primarily due to higher AFH sales volume. Geographically, revenue in Canada increased by CAD 3 million, or 1%, while US revenue rose by CAD 3.3 million or 1.3%. On slide 17, adjusted EBITDA improved sequentially by CAD 3.7 million or 4.2% to CAD 90.6 million, and these were mainly due to lower manufacturing overhead costs, higher AFH sales volume, and lower marketing expenses.

Speaker #2: The year-over-year increase was driven by improved mill performance at the Memphis facility, higher sales volume, and lower pulp prices. Partially offset by elevated freight costs and greater SG&A expenses.

Speaker #2: Now let's turn to slide 16, where we compare Q2 revenue to Q1 2026. Revenue increased $6.3 million sequentially, or 1.1%, primarily due to higher AFH sales volume.

Speaker #2: Geographically, revenue in Canada increased by 3 million or 1%, while US revenue rose by 3.3 million or 1.3%. On slide 17, adjusted EBITDA improved sequentially by 3.7 million or 4.2% to 90.6 million, and these were mainly due to lower manufacturing overhead costs, higher AFH sales volume, and lower marketing expenses.

Speaker #2: These factors were partially offset by the elevated freight costs and warehousing expenses, and higher SG&A expense. Adjusted EBITDA margin attained 16.4% in the second quarter, compared to 16.0% in Q1 2026.

Michael Keays: These factors were partially offset by the elevated freight costs and warehousing expenses and higher SG&A expense. Adjusted EBITDA margin attained 16.4% in the second quarter, compared to 16.0% in Q1 2026. Turning to our balance sheet and financial position on slide 18, our cash position declined in Q2 2026, reaching CAD 165.2 million compared to CAD 205.9 million at the end of Q1 2026. The decrease was primarily due to changes in working capital. Total debt at the end of the second quarter remained stable compared to the end of Q1 2026. Our leverage ratio of 2.9x at the end of the second quarter remained stable compared to Q1, since the increase in net debt was offset by a higher adjusted EBITDA over the last 12-month period. Now to conclude my section, we will review capital expenditures on slide 19.

Speaker #2: Turning to our balance sheet and financial position on slide 18, our cash position declined in Q2 2026, reaching $165.2 million, compared to $205.9 million at the end of Q1 2026.

Speaker #2: The decrease was primarily due to changes in working capital. Total debt at the end of the second quarter remained stable compared to the end of Q1 2026.

Speaker #2: In our leverage ratio of 2.9 times at the end of the second quarter remained stable, compared to Q1. Since the increase in net debt was offset by a higher adjusted EBITDA over the last 12-month period.

Speaker #2: Now, to conclude my section, we will review capital expenditures on slide 19. Our capex for Q2 2026 totaled 15.5 million, compared to 16 million in Q1.

Michael Keays: Our CapEx for Q2 2026 totaled CAD 15.5 million, compared to CAD 16 million in Q1. For 2026, our CapEx is expected to be in the range of CAD 90 to CAD 110 million, which includes spending on related strategic projects, including the pre-engineering work for our US TAD extension. Thank you for joining us this morning, and I will now turn the call back to Dino.

Speaker #2: For 2026, our capex is expected to be in the range of $90 to $110 million, which includes spending on related strategic projects, including the pre-engineering work for our U.S. TAD extension.

Speaker #2: Thank you for joining us this morning, and I'll now turn the call back to Dino.

Speaker #3: Thank you, Michael. Let's turn to slide 21 for my closing comments. We delivered strong profitability in the first half of 2026, and we will remain actively focused on margin delivery given potential escalating input costs and tariffs.

Dino Bianco: Thank you, Michael. Let's turn to slide 21 for my closing comments. We delivered strong profitability in H1 2026, and we will remain actively focused on margin delivery, given potential escalating input costs and tariffs. We are ramping up our new converting line in Memphis, which is adding capacity to our US network. We will continue to invest in our brands to drive long-term share, including the share recovery plan that I talked about for the back half. We expect our Kruger Pro business to continue to deliver profitable growth. We are making progress towards securing a location for the new TAD tissue plant in the Western United States.

Speaker #3: We are ramping up our new converting line in Memphis, which is adding capacity to our US network. We will continue to invest in our brands to drive long-term share, including the share recovery plan that I talked about for the back half.

Speaker #3: We expect our Kruger Pro business to continue to deliver profitable growth. We are making progress towards securing a location for the new TAD tissue plant in the western United States.

Speaker #3: And we are developing our organizational capability to strengthen our adaptability in resilience given continuing economic changes. Finally, our adjusted EBITDA outlook for the third quarter of 2026 is expected to be in the range of our Q2 2026 results.

Dino Bianco: And we are developing our organizational capability to strengthen our adaptability and resilience, given continuing economic changes. Finally, our adjusted EBITDA outlook for Q3 2026 is expected to be in the range of our Q2 2026 results. We will now be happy to take your questions.

Speaker #3: We will now be happy to take your questions.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now conduct the question-and-answer session. If you have a question, please press the pound key followed by 1 on your touchdown phone.

Operator: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now conduct a question and answer session. If you have a question, please press the pound key followed by one on your touch-tone phone. You will hear a one-tone prompt acknowledging your request. Your questions will be polled in the order they are received. If you would like to decline from the polling process, please press the pound key. Please ensure you leave the handset if you are using a speakerphone before pressing any keys. One moment please, for your first question. Your first question comes from Ahmed Abdullah with National Bank Financial. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: You will hear a one-prompt acknowledging your request. Your questions will be polled in the order they are received. If you would like to decline from the polling process, please press the pound key.

Speaker #1: Please ensure you leave the handset if you are using a speakerphone before pressing any keys. One moment, please, for your first question. Your first question comes from Ahmed Abdullah with National Bank of Canada.

Speaker #1: Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Hi, good morning, and thanks for taking my question. Dino, you mentioned a share recovery plan for Canada in the second half. Can you perhaps give us a bit more color as to how that's going to work?

Ahmed Abdullah: Hi, good morning, and thanks for taking my question. You mentioned a share recovery plan for Canada in the H2. Can you perhaps give us a bit more color as to how that's going to work? What's the main levers behind that? Will it require promotional activity or brand investment, and how quickly do you expect to see that benefit?

Speaker #4: What's the main levers behind that? Will it require promotional activity, brand investment, and how quickly do you expect to see that benefit?

Speaker #3: Yeah, great question. We saw some erosion to our share probably around the month of March, and then continued into April and May. We started and I'm talking mainly bathroom tissue and towel facial has been strong.

Dino Bianco: Yeah, great question. We saw some erosion to our share, probably around the month of March, and then continued into April. In May, we started. I am talking mainly bathroom tissue and towel. Facial has been strong. We started to see some recovery in June as we put some plans in place, and we expect to continue to see recovery. I guess it would come down to probably a couple of things. First off, I think at some accounts, some of our pricing got a little out of whack, and we had to make some course corrections to make sure that our price gaps were in the place where we need them to be. We have done that.

Speaker #3: We started to see some recovery in June as we put some plans in place and we expect to continue to see recovery. I guess it would come down to probably a couple of things.

Speaker #3: First off, I think at some accounts, some of our pricing got a little out of whack, and we had to make some course corrections to make sure that our price caps were in the place where we needed them to be.

Speaker #3: So we have done that. We have worked with the accounts and done a category management story to be able to demonstrate the need to have the leading brands at a price that is good for the consumer and good for the customer.

Dino Bianco: We have worked with the accounts and done a category management story to be able to demonstrate the need to have the leading brands at a price that is good for the consumer and good for the customer. We are doing that. We have secured additional promotional activity because of some of the shortfalls that we had. I would also say there was a bit of a, we are lapping a very strong last year. We had Made in Canada, a very strong sentiment from the consumer. I think the sentiment is still there, but not to the level it was last year. Some of that we are lapping, that is creating some of the share loss because we were benefactors of that.

Speaker #3: So, we are doing that. We have secured additional promotional activity because of some of the shortfalls that we had. I would also say there was a bit of—we are lapping a very strong last year, where we had made in Canada a very strong sentiment from the consumer.

Speaker #3: I think the sentiment is still there, but not to the level it was last year. So some of that we're lapping. That's creating some of the share loss because we were benefactors of benefactors of that.

Speaker #3: And then lastly, we put a product in the marketplace on towel that we didn't probably support enough in terms of communication with the consumer of the value that that product delivered.

Dino Bianco: Lastly, we put a product in the marketplace on towel that we did not probably support enough in terms of communication with the consumer of the value that that product delivered. We are going to make some tweaks to our communication and to the product itself. Is it going to cost a lot of money? I do not think so. It is not material. We are basically tweaking at this point and really focused on getting the execution. We are starting to see benefits already as I am speaking to you here in mid-August, and we expect to continue to see progress through the H2.

Speaker #3: So we're going to make some tweaks to our communication and to the product itself. So is it going to cost a lot of money?

Speaker #3: I don't think so. It's not material. We're basically tweaking at this point and really, really focused on getting the execution. We're starting to see benefits already, as I'm speaking to you here in mid-August, and we expect to continue to see progress through the second half.

Speaker #4: Got it. So that perhaps talks to some sustainability of the consumer margin here. And just on the Memphis progress, how far along are you in kind of realizing the full earnings potential of that facility and what incremental productivity or cost benefits can we still see here?

Ahmed Abdullah: Got it. So that perhaps talks to some sustainability of the consumer margin here. Just on the Memphis progress, how far along are you in realizing the full earnings potential of that facility, and what incremental productivity or cost benefits can we still see here?

Speaker #3: Yeah, great question. And I have often talked about Memphis. Unfortunately, I've talked about the turnaround, and I am so proud of what that entire team has been able to do.

Dino Bianco: Yeah, great question. I have often talked about Memphis. Unfortunately, I have talked about the turnaround, and I am so proud of what that entire team has been able to do. I mentioned not only great performance of work that they are doing on sustainability, work that they are doing to keep their people safe. I think there is a renewed culture and attitude there thanks to the leadership and the entire team that is there with a new winning mentality, and they are delivering against that. Plus, as you know, we have been investing over the years with cash around putting new lines in, doing the maintenance on our lines, et cetera. So we are progressing quite well. I would say we probably have another year before we get to our maturity level. You are seeing the performance improvement through the assets.

Speaker #3: I mentioned not only great performance work that they're doing on sustainability, work that they're doing to keep their people safe. I think there's a renewed culture and attitude there.

Speaker #3: Thanks to the leadership and the entire team that is there, with a new winning mentality. And they're delivering against that. Plus, as you know, we have been investing over the years with cash around putting new lines in, doing the maintenance on our lines.

Speaker #3: So we're progressing quite well. I would say we probably have another year before we get to our maturity level. You're seeing the performance improvement through the assets.

Speaker #3: I'd say the areas where we probably need to tweak a little bit more is we still spend a lot of maintenance because we've been getting those assets in place, working condition or base condition.

Dino Bianco: I would say the areas where we probably need to tweak a little bit more is we still spend a lot of maintenance because we have been getting those assets in place to working condition or base condition. Once we do that, we will be able to get back to normalized maintenance costs, and I think that should also help improve the economics of that site. We are also looking at making additional investments to increase capacity at that site. So that would be not quite a big strategic investment, but some equipment improvements that we would look at making to expand capacity of what I would call very ultra-premium tissue. So there is a lot of positive things going on in Memphis, and I think the turnaround is happening sustainable. We will continue to see growth as we go in through 2027.

Speaker #3: Once we do that, we'll be able to get back to normalized maintenance costs. And I think that should also help improve the economics of that site.

Speaker #3: We're also looking at making additional investments to increase capacity. At that site. So that would be not quite a big strategic investment, but some equipment improvements that we would look at making to expand capacity of what I would call very ultra-premium tissue.

Speaker #3: So there’s a lot of positive things going on in Memphis, and I think the turnaround is happening sustainably, and we’ll continue to see growth as we go in through 2027.

Speaker #4: Okay, that's helpful, thanks. And just on the tech facility, I mean, it seems that things are just taking a bit longer than initially expected.

Ahmed Abdullah: Okay. That is helpful. Thanks. Just on the tax facility, it seems that things are just getting taken a bit longer than initially expected. What kind of milestones should we be looking for over the next 6 months? When do you expect a final investment decision to happen where we can get more details around that project?

Speaker #4: What kind of milestones should we be looking for over the next six months? And what do you expect kind of a final investment decision to happen where we can get more details around that project?

Speaker #3: Yeah. I guess I'm not surprised by that question. So thank you for that question. I would say definitely it's taken longer and I would characterize the reason why it's taking longer is, first off, it's a greenfield site.

Dino Bianco: Yeah. I guess I am not surprised by that question. Thank you for that question. I would say definitely it has taken longer. I would characterize the reason why it is taking longer is, first off, it is a greenfield site. That is the primary site we are looking at. Whenever you are dealing with a greenfield site, there is a lot more work to be done. There is work to be done on infrastructure, water, permitting, road, rail, wastewater, a lot of work to be done to make sure

Speaker #3: And whenever you're dealing that's the primary site we're looking at. Whenever you're dealing with a greenfield site, there's a lot more work to be done.

Speaker #3: There's work to be done on infrastructure, water, permitting, road rail, wastewater. A lot of work to be done to make sure—

Doris Grbic: This call is no longer being recorded.

Speaker #2: This part is no longer being recorded.

Speaker #3: Hello. Are you still there?

Dino Bianco: Hello? Are you still there?

Speaker #4: Yes, hi. I'm still here.

Ahmed Abdullah: Yes. Hi. I am still here.

Speaker #3: Okay. I don't know what happened there. Somebody didn't like what I was saying. So anyways, a lot more work when it's a greenfield site, not just for us, for the particular city or region.

Dino Bianco: Okay. I do not know what happened there.

Ahmed Abdullah: Never mind.

Dino Bianco: Somebody did not like what I was saying. Anyways, a lot more work when it is a greenfield site, not just for us, for the particular city or region. So, working through all that and doing the due diligence, I think that is one aspect. We continue to do engineering and working to secure financing. I think the other piece that has maybe slowed it down a little bit is that we are dealing with a very uncertain economic environment. So before we make a final announcement, we would like to get more clarity on what is going on in the economic environment. Obviously, I talked about tariffs, the status of CUSMA, to some extent, the collateral impacts of the war in the Middle East.

Speaker #3: So working through all that and doing the due diligence, I think that's one aspect. And we continue to do engineering and working to secure financing.

Speaker #3: I think the other piece that's maybe slowed it down a little bit is we're dealing with a very uncertain economic environment. So before we make a final announcement, we'd like to get more clarity on what's going on in the economic environment.

Speaker #3: Obviously, I talked about tariffs, the status of Kuzma to some extent, the collateral impacts of the war and the release. There's just a lot of unknowns, and to make such a big investment, I think we want to get a little more clarity on what is going on in that environment.

Dino Bianco: There is just a lot of unknown, and to make such a big investment, I think we want to get a little more clarity on what is going on in that environment. We are still very committed to the project, still very committed to our growth in the United States, just doing a little more due diligence and taking time. As it relates to a specific timeline, I am not going to give you a specific date. It is more based on the activity that I just explained, but I would hope, before we got out of this year, that we would provide clarity.

Speaker #3: We're still very committed to the projects, still very committed to our growth in the United States. Just doing a little more due diligence and taking time.

Speaker #3: As it relates to a specific timeline, I'm not going to give you a specific date. It's more based on the activity that I just explained, but I would hope that before we get out of this year, we would provide clarity.

Speaker #4: Okay, that's very helpful. I'll pass the line. Thank you very much.

Ahmed Abdullah: Okay. That is very helpful. I will pass the line. Thank you very much.

Speaker #3: Thank you.

Dino Bianco: Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you. The next question comes from Hameer Patel with CIBC Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. The next question comes from Hamir Patel with CIBC Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Hamir Patel: Hi. Good morning. Dino, are you able to quantify the magnitude of the price increases that you have announced in AFH?

Speaker #5: Hi, good morning. Are you able to quantify the magnitude of the price increases that you've announced in AFH?

Speaker #3: Yeah, sure. So we announced a price increase of 3 to 5 percent that was going to be effective September 1st. That was mainly to cover as I said earlier, transportation costs and packaging and oil-based inputs.

Dino Bianco: Yeah, sure. We announced a price increase of 3% to 5% that was going to be effective 1 September. That was mainly to cover, as I said earlier, transportation costs and packaging and oil-based inputs. That is moving through the system. It is across both Canada and the United States, moving through the system. Obviously, others have also announced pricing before and after our announcement, so it looks like the market is feeling the same sort of cost pressures. That price increase affected about two-thirds of our business because the other third is generally on contract, and they renew as those contracts renew. That is more of a general market increase that we took. As I said, you have obviously seen very similar announcements from others.

Speaker #3: So that is moving through the system. It's across both Canada and the United States, moving through the system obviously others have also announced pricing before and after our announcement.

Speaker #3: So it looks like the market is feeling the same sort of cost pressures. So and that price increase affected about two-thirds of our business because the other third is generally on contract.

Speaker #3: And they renew as those contracts renew. So that's more of a general market increase that we took and as I said, you've probably seen very similar announcements from others.

Speaker #5: Okay. Great. And just coming back to the consumer business, your guidance overall is quite encouraging for Q3, but I know you're working to restore market share.

Hamir Patel: Okay. Great. Just coming back to the consumer business, your guidance overall is quite encouraging for Q3, but I know you are working to restore market share. You highlighted maybe your sticker prices had perhaps making some adjustments there, but is there a component of perhaps balancing that with desheeting and other innovations so that the maybe per sheet pricing relatively stable?

Speaker #5: You highlighted maybe your pricing sticker prices had perhaps making some adjustments there. But is there a component of perhaps balancing that with desheating and other innovations so that the maybe per sheet pricing relatively stable?

Speaker #3: Yeah. We're looking at all that, Amir, but as you know, the when you're dealing with product like particularly bath tissue, very important to get your format to be very competitive and very important to have a competitive price point.

Dino Bianco: Yeah, we are looking at all that, Hamir, but as you know, when you are dealing with product, particularly bath tissue, it is very important to get your format to be very competitive and very important to have a competitive price point. We are not the lowest priced product in the market, as you know, but there is a certain gap that we need to maintain, and we just want to make sure that we have that gap and not more than that gap at any of our customers across the board. So we continue to look at desheeting, we continue to look at innovation, we continue to look at product formats, obviously all the marketing and promotion that we do, but we need to get our fundamentals straight. I think we have worked with particular accounts to make sure that we have got that balance in place.

Speaker #3: We are not the lowest price product in the market, as you know, but there's a certain gap that we need to maintain. And we just want to make sure that we have that gap and not more than that gap at any of our customers across the board.

Speaker #3: So we continue to look at desheating. We continue to look at innovation. We continue to look at product formats. Obviously, all the marketing and promotion that we do, but we need to get our fundamentals straight.

Speaker #3: And I think we've worked with particular accounts to make sure that we've got that balance in place. There's also a natural— I mentioned in my prepared remarks—there's also a natural movement, I think, to some private label products as consumers are feeling cash-strapped and maybe going more on a value side.

Dino Bianco: I mentioned in my prepared remarks, there is also a natural movement, I think, to some private label products as consumers are feeling cash-strapped and maybe going more on a value side. So we are seeing that, and maybe we will promote more of our base or value product to make sure we have got an offering for that consumer that wants that price point.

Speaker #3: So we're seeing that. And maybe we will promote more of our base or value product to make sure we've got an offering for that consumer that wants that price point.

Speaker #5: Okay, fair enough. And just with respect to the guidance, it's fair to assume the Q3 guidance assumes no tariff impact. And then just related to the tariffs, the potential 338.

Hamir Patel: Okay. Fair enough. Just with respect to the guidance, it is fair to assume the Q3 guidance assumes no tariff impact. Then just related to the tariffs, the potential 338, sort of worst case, if they were in effect for any period of time, what is the percent of your volumes that would be affected?

Speaker #5: So the worst case, if they were in effect for any period of time, what is the percent of your volumes that would be affected?

Speaker #3: Yeah. As I think everybody is still working through all this, we're a week and a bit away, but a lot could happen between now and then.

Dino Bianco: Yeah, as I think everybody is still working through all this, we are a week and a bit away, but a lot can happen between now and then. We are preparing mitigating actions around some pre-ships, maybe looking at alternative sourcing. We do not want to trigger anything dramatic at this point, just given we want to make sure and we understand if the tariffs are going through and if there is any changes in how they are going to be implemented. So we are doing some pre-cut mitigating work ahead of time that is what I would call fairly minor in scope. We have reassured all our customers that there is not going to be an impact to them from this. As it relates to your specific question, we would be looking at less than 1% of our total sales would be related to this tariff, and we would continue to manage that down.

Speaker #3: We're preparing mitigating actions around some pre-ships, maybe looking at alternative sourcing. We don't want to trigger anything dramatic at this point, just given we want to make sure we understand if the tariffs are going through and if there's any changes in how they're going to be implemented.

Speaker #3: So we are doing some mitigating work ahead of time. That's what I would call fairly minor in scope. We've reassured all our customers that there is not going to be an impact to them.

Speaker #3: From this, as it relates to your specific question, we would be looking at less than 1% of our total sales would be related to this tariff, and we would continue to manage that down.

Dino Bianco: As it relates to your specific question, we would be looking at less than 1% of our total sales would be related to this tariff, and we would continue to manage that down.

Speaker #5: Okay. Great. So it's a pretty minor. And just last question I had. I know I think it was maybe back in June, Valmet announced a new advantage NTT technology for sort of ultra-premium tissue.

Hamir Patel: Okay, great. So it is pretty minor. Just last question I had. I know, maybe back in June, Valmet announced a new Advantage NTT technology for sort of ultra-premium tissue. Are you locked in with TAD technology for your next mill? With respect to this newer version of NTT, do you see that as potentially a threat to TAD?

Speaker #5: Are you locked in with TAD technology for your next mill? And with respect to this newer version of NTT, do you see that as potentially a threat to TAD?

Speaker #3: Well, I mean, there are always new technologies being introduced. I think TAD is a very proven technology. It's been around a long time and has proven that it can deliver what it promises.

Dino Bianco: Well, there is always new technologies being introduced. I think TAD is a very proven technology. It has been around a long time, proves that it can deliver what it delivers against. We obviously have two of them in our system. We know what they do. So, we have declared internally, and certainly you can see externally, that we are going to have a strong conventional base, and we have that, and we launched a new LDC machine a couple of years ago in Quebec. We are going to have a strong premium base, which is the TAD. Those are really the areas we are going to play in. Other technologies to me are, I would rather be in the technology we know and the technology the consumer wants and the technology that we know how to, and the market knows how to operate. So for me, that is conventional and TAD.

Speaker #3: We obviously have two of them in our system. We know what they do. So we've declared internally and certainly you can see externally that we're going to have a strong conventional base and we have that and we launched a new LDC machine a couple of years ago in Quebec.

Speaker #3: And we're going to have a strong premium base, which is the TAD. Those are really the areas where we're going to play. And other technologies, to me, are I'd rather be in the technology we know and the technology the consumer wants and in the technology that we know how to and the market knows how to operate.

Dino Bianco: Other technologies to me are, I would rather be in the technology we know and the technology the consumer wants and the technology that we know how to, and the market knows how to operate. So for me, that is conventional and TAD.

Speaker #3: So for me, that's conventional and TAD.

Speaker #5: Okay. Fair enough. That's all I had. I'll turn it over. Thanks, Gina.

Hamir Patel: Okay. Fair enough. That's all I had. I'll turn it over. Thanks, Dino.

Speaker #2: Thank you. The next question comes from Sean Stewart from TD Cohen. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. The next question comes from Sean Steuart from TD Cowen. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Thanks. Good morning, everyone. Deno, you touched on relative positive momentum for hardwood mill versus softwood. And I wonder if you can remind us the mix between the two and your furnish and your ability to flex one way or the other depending on relative price momentum.

Sean Steuart: Thanks. Good morning, everyone. Dino, you touched on relative positive momentum for hardwood pulp versus softwood. I'm wondering if you can remind us the mix between the two in your furnish and your ability to flex one way or the other, depending on relative price momentum between hardwood and softwood.

Speaker #5: Between hardwood and softwood.

Speaker #3: Yeah. I'm not going to give you a specific answer, Sean. I know you want that, but we've been migrating more to MBSK as sorry, as hardwood or BCAS, let's say.

Dino Bianco: Yeah, I'm not going to give you a specific answer, Sean. I know you want that, but we've been migrating more to NBSK, or sorry, as hardwood or BEK, I should say. Over the years, we've been doing a lot of reformulation and really trying to understand what is the right bundle of pulp or furnish that gets us to the output we need at a favorable cost. Obviously, there's been improvements in areas like BEK as well in terms of its construct and being able to be used in substitution for NBSK. So we've been continuing to do that. We have some flex in some of our brands, and we can move between the two depending on the arbitrage. I've always said we're kind of 60/40 mix between the two, and I think that's the range we tend to operate in.

Speaker #3: Over the years, we've been doing a lot of reformulation and really trying to understand what is the right bundle of pulp or furnish that gets us to the output we need at a favorable cost.

Speaker #3: And obviously, there's been improvements in areas like BEK as well in terms of its construct and being able to be used and substitution for NBSK.

Speaker #3: So we've been continuing to do that. We have some flex in some of our brands and we can move between the two depending on the arbitrage.

Speaker #3: I've always said we're kind of 60/40 mix between the two and I think that's the range we tend to operate in.

Speaker #5: Okay. Thanks for that detail. And one follow-up on the TAD project. I appreciate all the details you've given around milestones to move this along.

Sean Steuart: Okay, thanks for that detail. One follow-up on the TAD project. I appreciate all the details you have given around milestones to move this along. Just so I understand some context, though, reading the local press, it sounds like the site is locked in. Is that the case, or is there still some competitive tension, one site versus another in the Western US to move this along?

Speaker #5: Just so I understand some context, though, reading local press, it sounds like the site is locked in. Is that the case or is there still some competitive tension one site versus another in the western US to move this along?

Speaker #3: Yeah. I'd say nothing's locked in until we tell you it's locked in. So I mean, there's always rumors out there. We have and we continue to look at various sites.

Dino Bianco: Yeah, I would say nothing is locked in until we tell you it is locked in. There are always rumors out there. We have, and we continue to look at various sites. We do have a lead site that we work with, but we do have other sites that are small group of sites that meet the criteria. So nothing is final until you hear it from us. There is always lots of speculation out there. Maybe I will just leave it at that.

Speaker #3: We do have a lead site that we work with, but we also have a small group of other sites that meet the criteria.

Speaker #3: So nothing's final until you hear it from us. There's always lots of speculation out there. And maybe I'll just leave it at that.

Speaker #5: Fair enough. Okay. Thanks very much.

Sean Steuart: Fair enough. Okay, thanks very much.

Speaker #3: Thank you.

Dino Bianco: Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you. Once again, if you would like to ask a question, please press the pound key followed by one on your touchdown phone. You will hear a one-tone prompt acknowledging your request.

Operator: Thank you. Once again, if you would like to ask a question, please press the pound key followed by one on your touchtone phone. You will hear a one-tone prompt acknowledging your request. There are no further questions at this time. I will now transfer the call over to Dino Bianco for closing remarks. Please go ahead, sir.

Speaker #2: There are no further questions at this time. I will now transfer the call over to Dino Bianco for closing remarks. Please go ahead, sir.

Speaker #3: Great. Thank call today. We look forward to speaking to you again after the release of our third-quarter results. I want to thank you and have a great day.

Dino Bianco: Great. Thank you. I want to thank everybody for joining us on the call today. We look forward to speaking to you again, after the release of our Q3 results. I want to thank you, and have a great day.

Operator: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the conference call for today. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect your lines.