BOISE CASCADE Co

Previous wording

Boise Cascade is a large, integrated wood products manufacturer and building materials distributor with widespread operations throughout the United States (U.S.) and one manufacturing facility in Canada. We completed an initial public offering of our common stock on February 11, 2013. We have two reportable segments: (i) Wood Products, which primarily manufactures engineered wood products (EWP) and plywood; and (ii) Building Materials Distribution (BMD), which is a wholesale distributor of building materials. For more information, see Note 3, Revenues, and Note 15, Segment Information, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" and "Item 1. Business" of this Form 10-K. Our products are used in the construction of new residential housing, including single-family, multi-family, and manufactured homes, the repair-and-remodeling of existing housing, the construction of light industrial and commercial buildings, and industrial applications. We have a broad base of customers, which includes a diverse mix of dealers, home improvement centers, leading wholesalers, specialty distributors, and industrial converters. Our Wood Products and BMD segments are integrated from wood fiber procurement through distribution. During 2023, approximately 66% of our Wood Products segment sales, or approximately 78% and 42% of our Wood Product segment's EWP and plywood sales volumes, respectively, were to our BMD segment.

Current wording

Boise Cascade is a large, integrated wood products manufacturer and building materials distributor with widespread operations throughout the United States (U.S.) and one manufacturing facility in Canada. We completed an initial public offering of our common stock on February 11, 2013. We have two reportable segments: (i) Wood Products, which primarily manufactures engineered wood products (EWP) and plywood; and (ii) Building Materials Distribution (BMD), which is a wholesale distributor of building materials. For more information, see Note 3, Revenues, and Note 15, Segment Information, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" and "Item 1. Business" of this Form 10-K. Our products are used in the construction of new residential housing, including single-family, multi-family, and manufactured homes, the repair-and-remodeling of existing housing, the construction of light industrial and commercial buildings, and industrial applications. We have a broad base of customers, which includes a diverse mix of dealers, home improvement centers, leading wholesalers, specialty distributors, and industrial converters. Our Wood Products and BMD segments are integrated from wood fiber procurement through distribution. During 2024, approximately 70% of our Wood Products segment sales, or approximately 75% and 50% of our Wood Product segment's EWP and plywood sales volumes, respectively, were to our BMD segment.

Previous wording

We recorded income from operations of $624.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with $1,157.8 million during the same period in the prior year. In our Wood Products segment, income decreased by $238.1 million to $337.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, from $575.2 million in 2022. The decrease in segment income was due primarily to lower plywood and EWP sales prices, as well as lower EWP sales volumes. In addition, segment income was negatively impacted by an increase in depreciation and amortization expense related to the Coastal Plywood acquisition. These decreases were offset partially by lower wood fiber costs and higher plywood sales volumes. In our BMD segment, income decreased $291.3 million to $335.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, from $627.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, driven by a gross margin decrease of $276.0 million, resulting primarily from gross margin declines on EWP and commodity products and lower sales volumes across all product lines compared with 2022. These changes are discussed further in "Our Operating Results" below.

Current wording

We recorded income from operations of $490.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared with $624.4 million during the same period in the prior year. In our Wood Products segment, income decreased by $105.7 million to $231.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $337.1 million in 2023. The decrease in segment income was due primarily to lower EWP and plywood sales prices, as well as higher wood fiber and conversion costs. These decreases were offset partially by higher EWP sales volumes. In our BMD segment, income decreased $32.4 million to $303.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $335.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decline in segment income was driven by increased selling and distribution expenses and depreciation and amortization expense of $37.4 million and $17.2 million, respectively. These decreases in segment income were offset partially by a gross margin increase of $15.1 million, resulting primarily from improved gross margins on general line products, offset partially by lower gross margins on EWP and commodity products. These changes are discussed further in "Our Operating Results" below.

Previous wording

We ended 2023 with $949.6 million of cash and cash equivalents and $445.3 million of debt. At December 31, 2023, we had $395.9 million of unused committed bank line availability. We used $48.8 million of cash during the year ended December 31, 2023, as cash provided by operations was offset by capital spending, funding the BROSCO Acquisition and dividends paid on our common stock. A further description of our cash sources and uses for the comparative periods are discussed in "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below.

Current wording

We ended 2024 with $713.3 million of cash and cash equivalents and $450.0 million of debt. At December 31, 2024, we had $395.7 million of unused committed bank line availability. We used $236.3 million of cash during the year ended December 31, 2024, as cash provided by operations was offset by capital spending, dividends paid on our common stock, and treasury stock purchases. A further description of our cash sources and uses for the comparative periods are discussed in "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below.

Previous wording

Demand for the products we manufacture, as well as the products we purchase and distribute, is correlated with new residential construction, residential repair-and-remodeling activity and light commercial construction. Residential construction, particularly new single-family construction, is the key demand driver for the products we manufacture and distribute. Recent 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. Despite recent declines in mortgage rates and homebuilders responding with various mechanisms to attract buyers, home affordability remains a challenge for consumers. However, with a resilient economy and elevated mortgage rates, which limits existing home inventory for sale, new residential construction is expected to remain an important source of supply for homebuyers. Within new residential construction, the recent reduction in rates and potential for future rate reductions has created optimism that single-family starts will reflect year-over-year growth. However, there is reservation that multi-family starts may pull back from recent record highs due to capital costs 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 in renovation spending moderated due to economic uncertainty and higher borrowing costs. While home improvement spending is expected to remain robust compared to history, recent industry forecasts project mid-single-digit declines in 2024. Ultimately, macroeconomic factors, the level and expectations for mortgage rates, home affordability, home equity levels, and other factors will likely influence the near-term demand environment for the products we manufacture and distribute.

Current wording

Demand for the products we manufacture, as well as the products we purchase and distribute, is correlated with new residential construction, residential repair-and-remodeling activity, and light commercial construction. Residential construction, particularly new single-family construction, is the key demand driver for the products we manufacture and distribute. As reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, housing starts were 1.37 million in 2024. Current industry forecasts for U.S. housing starts are approximately 1.35 million in 2025. Single-family starts in 2024 outpaced 2023 levels by 7%, and are expected to remain at approximately 1.0 million, despite the affordability challenges consumers are facing in the current rate environment. Multi-family starts declined sharply in 2024 and are expected to continue to face headwinds in 2025 due to prohibitive capital costs for developers, combined with elevated levels of multi-family unit completions in 2023 and 2024. We expect 2025 to reflect modest growth in home improvement spending, as the age of U.S. housing stock, elevated levels of homeowner equity, and recent improvement in existing home sales will provide a favorable backdrop for repair-and-remodel spending. Ultimately, macroeconomic factors, the level and expectations for mortgage rates, home affordability, home equity levels, home size, levels of new and existing home inventory for sale, and other factors will influence the near-term demand environment for the products we manufacture and distribute.

Previous wording

As a manufacturer of certain commodity products, we have sales and profitability exposure to declines in commodity product prices and rising input costs. Our distribution business purchases and resells a broad mix of products with periods of increasing prices providing the opportunity for higher sales and increased margins, while declining price environments expose us to declines in sales and profitability. Future product pricing, particularly commodity products pricing and input costs, may be volatile in response to economic uncertainties, industry operating rates, supply-related disruptions, transportation constraints or disruptions, net import and export activity, inventory levels in various distribution channels, and seasonal demand patterns.

Current wording

As a manufacturer of certain commodity products, we have sales and profitability exposure to declines in commodity product prices and rising input costs. Our distribution business purchases and resells a broad mix of products with periods of increasing prices providing the opportunity for higher sales and increased margins, while declining price environments expose us to declines in sales and profitability. Future product pricing, particularly commodity products pricing and input costs, may be volatile in response to economic uncertainties, industry operating rates, supply-related disruptions, transportation constraints or disruptions, net import and export activity, inventory levels in various distribution channels, and seasonal demand patterns. In addition, changes in laws or government regulations, such as the imposition of tariffs, could impact our product pricing and input costs.

Previous wording

A portion of the building products we manufacture or distribute, including OSB, plywood, and lumber, are commodities that are widely available from other manufacturers or distributors, with prices and volumes determined frequently in an auction market based on participants' perceptions of short-term supply and demand factors. At times, the price for any one or more of the products we produce or distribute may fall below our cash production or purchase costs, requiring us to either incur short-term losses on product sales or curtail production at one or more of our manufacturing facilities. Therefore, our profitability with respect to these commodity products depends, in significant part, on effective facilities maintenance programs, and on managing our cost structure, particularly raw materials and labor, which represent the largest components of our operating costs. Composite structural panel and lumber prices have been volatile historically.

Current wording

A portion of the building products we manufacture or distribute, including OSB, plywood, and lumber, are commodities that are widely available from other manufacturers or distributors, with prices and volumes determined frequently in an auction market based on participants' perceptions of short-term supply and demand factors. At times, the price for any one or more of the products we produce or distribute may fall below our cash production or purchase costs, requiring us to either incur short-term losses on product sales or curtail production at one or more of our manufacturing facilities. Therefore, our profitability with respect to these commodity products depends, in significant part, on effective facilities maintenance and procurement programs, and on managing our cost structure, particularly raw materials and labor, which represent the largest components of our operating costs. Composite structural panel and lumber prices have been volatile historically.

Previous wording

The following table provides changes in the average composite panel, including certain panel subcategories, and average composite lumber prices as reflected by Random Lengths, an industry publication, for the period noted below. In addition to the year-over-year average price changes, 2022 was a year of exceptional price volatility when compared to historical results.

Current wording

The following table provides changes in the average composite panel, including certain panel subcategories, and average composite lumber prices as reflected by Random Lengths, an industry publication, for the period noted below.

Previous wording

The level of housing starts is especially important to our results of operations. New residential construction activity has historically been volatile with demand for new residential construction influenced by seasonal weather factors, mortgage availability and rates, housing affordability constraints, unemployment levels, wage growth, household formation rates, domestic population growth, immigration rates, residential vacancy and foreclosure rates, demand for second homes, consumer confidence, and other general economic factors. Furthermore, changing demographics could impact product consumption and demand, including urbanization compounding issues around affordability, increasing importance of multi-family housing, declining size of single-family entry-level housing, increasing proportion of homes in warmer and/or coastal areas using slab-on-grade construction, reduced birthing statistics, and changing baby boomer needs freeing up housing capacity. In addition, EWP demand will be highly influenced by single-family housing starts.

Current wording

The level of housing starts is especially important to our results of operations. New residential construction activity has historically been volatile with demand for new residential construction influenced by seasonal weather factors, mortgage availability and rates, housing affordability constraints, home equity levels, unemployment levels, wage growth, household formation rates, domestic population growth, immigration rates, residential vacancy and foreclosure rates, demand for second homes, consumer confidence, and other general economic factors. Furthermore, changing demographics could impact product consumption and demand, including urbanization compounding issues around affordability, increasing importance of multi-family housing, declining size of single-family entry-level housing, increasing proportion of homes using slab-on-grade construction, reduced birthing statistics, and changing baby boomer needs freeing up housing capacity. In addition, EWP demand will be highly influenced by single-family housing starts.

Previous wording

Our principal raw material is wood fiber, which accounted for approximately 40% of the aggregate amount of materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation), for our Wood Products segment in 2023. Logs comprised approximately 80% of our wood fiber costs during 2023, and we satisfy our log requirements through a combination of purchases under supply agreements, open-market purchases, and purchases pursuant to contracts awarded under public auctions.

Current wording

Our principal raw material is wood fiber, which accounted for approximately 39% of the aggregate amount of materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation), for our Wood Products segment in 2024. Logs comprised approximately 78% of our wood fiber costs during 2024, and we satisfy our log requirements through a combination of purchases under supply agreements, open-market purchases, and purchases pursuant to contracts awarded under public auctions.

Previous wording

We also purchase OSB, which is used as the vertical web to assemble I-joists. OSB accounted for approximately 5% of the aggregate amount of materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation) for our Wood Products segment in 2023. OSB is a commodity, and prices have been historically volatile in response to economic uncertainties, industry operating rates, supply-related disruptions, transportation constraints or disruptions, net import and export activity, inventory levels in various distribution channels, and seasonal demand patterns.

Current wording

We also purchase OSB, which is used as the vertical web to assemble I-joists. OSB accounted for approximately 6% of the aggregate amount of materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation) for our Wood Products segment in 2024. OSB is a commodity, and prices have historically been volatile in response to economic uncertainties, industry operating rates, supply-related disruptions, transportation constraints or disruptions, net import and export activity, trade policies, inventory levels in various distribution channels, and seasonal demand patterns.

Previous wording

For the year ended December 31, 2023, total sales decreased $1,549.1 million, or 18%, to $6,838.2 million from $8,387.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. As described below, the decrease in sales was driven by the changes in sales prices and volumes for the products we manufacture and distribute with single-family residential construction activity being the key demand driver for our sales. During 2023, total U.S. housing starts and single-family housing starts decreased 9% and 6%, respectively, compared with 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2023, average composite lumber and average composite panel prices were 47% and 32% lower, respectively, compared with the same period in the prior year, as reflected by Random Lengths composite lumber and panel pricing. These decreases in composite commodity pricing impacted our sales prices in both of our segments, as noted below.

Current wording

For the year ended December 31, 2024, total sales decreased $114.0 million, or 2%, to $6,724.3 million from $6,838.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. As described below, the decrease in sales was driven by the changes in sales prices and volumes for the products we manufacture and distribute with single-family residential construction activity being the key demand driver for our sales. During 2024, total U.S. housing starts decreased 4%, while single-family housing starts increased 7%, compared with 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2024, average composite lumber and average composite panel prices were 3% lower and 1% higher, respectively, compared with 2023, as reflected by Random Lengths composite lumber and panel pricing.

Previous wording

Wood Products. During the year ended December 31, 2023, sales, including sales to our BMD segment, decreased $183.3 million, or 9%, to $1,932.6 million from $2,115.9 million in 2022. The decrease in sales was driven by lower plywood sales prices of 29%, resulting in decreased sales of $242.0 million. In addition, lower sales prices for I-joists and LVL (collectively referred to as EWP) of 4% and 2%, respectively, resulted in decreased sales of $19.8 million and $9.7 million, respectively. Lower sales volumes for I-joists and LVL of 4% and 1%, respectively, resulted in decreased sales of $20.9 million and $6.7 million, respectively. EWP sales volumes decreased due to a decline in housing starts. I-joist volumes were also impacted by the availability of product substitutes and construction methods in certain geographies that reduce the wood floor opportunity. In addition, other sales, including byproducts and laminated beams, decreased sales by $16.1 million. These decreases were offset partially by higher sales volumes for plywood of 21%, resulting in increased sales of $146.4 million. Plywood sales volumes increased from the prior year due to the Coastal Plywood acquisition, as well as downtime taken in 2022 to replace an existing dryer at our Chester, South Carolina, plywood facility. In addition, plywood sales volumes increased as we shifted a higher proportion of our internally produced veneer into plywood production, given the change in demand for EWP.

Current wording

Wood Products. During the year ended December 31, 2024, sales, including sales to our BMD segment, decreased $100.3 million, or 5%, to $1,832.3 million from $1,932.6 million in 2023. The decrease in sales was driven by lower sales prices of 7% for both LVL and I-joists (collectively referred to as EWP), resulting in decreased sales of $41.4 million and $32.4 million, respectively. Plywood sales volumes and sales prices both decreased 5%, resulting in decreased sales of $30.4 million and $25.4 million, respectively. Plywood sales volumes decreased as we shifted a higher proportion of our internally produced veneer into EWP production, due to increased demand for EWP. In addition, other sales, including lumber and residual byproducts, decreased $44.7 million. These decreases were offset partially by higher sales volumes for LVL and I-joists of 11% and 7%, respectively, resulting in increased sales of $59.7 million and $30.4 million, respectively.

Previous wording

Building Materials Distribution. During the year ended December 31, 2023, sales decreased $1,464.9 million, or 19%, to $6,178.7 million from $7,643.6 million in 2022. Compared with the prior year, the overall decrease in sales was driven by sales price and sales volume decreases of 16% and 3%, respectively. By product line, commodity sales decreased 32%, or $1,096.6 million, general line product sales decreased 4%, or $99.3 million, and sales of EWP (substantially all of which is sourced through our Wood Products segment) decreased 16%, or $269.0 million.

Current wording

Building Materials Distribution. During the year ended December 31, 2024, sales decreased $12.2 million, or less than 1%, to $6,166.5 million from $6,178.7 million in 2023. Compared with the prior year, the overall decrease in sales was driven by a sales price decrease of 3%, offset partially by a sales volume increase of 3%. Excluding the impact of the BROSCO acquisition on October 2, 2023, sales would have decreased by 2%. By product line, commodity sales decreased 5%, or $128.0 million, general line product sales increased 7%, or $172.3 million, and sales of EWP (substantially all of which is sourced through our Wood Products segment) decreased 4%, or $56.5 million.

Previous wording

Materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation) decreased $1,063.2 million, or 16%, to $5,409.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with $6,472.5 million during the prior year. In our Wood Products segment, materials, labor, and other operating expenses increased due to higher labor and other manufacturing costs, as well as the Coastal Plywood acquisition. These increases were offset partially by lower per-unit costs of OSB (used in the manufacture of I-joists) and logs of approximately 9% and 4%, respectively, compared with 2022. Materials, labor, and other operating expenses as a percentage of sales (MLO rate) in our Wood Products segment increased by 770 basis points, which was due primarily to lower plywood and EWP sales prices, resulting in decreased leveraging of labor and other manufacturing costs. In BMD, the decrease in materials, labor, and other operating expenses was driven by lower purchased materials costs as a result of a decrease in product prices and lower sales volumes compared with 2022. However, the BMD segment MLO rate increased 80 basis points compared to 2022 due primarily to lower margin percentages on EWP.

Current wording

Materials, labor, and other operating expenses (excluding depreciation) decreased $15.7 million, or less than 1%, to $5,393.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared with $5,409.3 million during the prior year. In our Wood Products segment, materials, labor, and other operating expenses increased due to higher EWP sales volumes, higher costs of OSB (used in the manufacture of I-joists), and increased labor costs compared with 2023. Materials, labor, and other operating expenses as a percentage of sales (MLO rate) in our Wood Products segment increased by 480 basis points, due primarily to lower EWP and plywood sales prices. In BMD, the decrease in materials, labor, and other operating expenses was driven by lower purchased materials costs as a result of a decrease in product prices, offset partially by an increase in purchased materials costs due to the BROSCO acquisition. The BMD segment MLO rate decreased 30 basis points, driven by higher margin percentages on general line products, offset partially by lower margins on EWP compared with 2023.

Previous wording

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $30.9 million, or 30%, to $132.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with $101.6 million during the prior year. The increase was due primarily to the Coastal Plywood acquisition on July 25, 2022, accelerated depreciation of $6.2 million in fourth quarter 2023 for the indefinite curtailment of lumber production at our Chapman, Alabama facility, as well as other capital expenditures. These increases were offset partially by decreases in depreciation related to fully depreciated assets.

Current wording

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $11.6 million, or 9%, to $144.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared with $132.5 million during the prior year. The increase was due primarily to the BROSCO acquisition and other capital expenditures. These increases were offset partially by less accelerated depreciation recorded in 2024 than 2023 related to the indefinite curtailment of lumber production at our Chapman, Alabama facility.

Previous wording

Selling and distribution expenses increased $6.2 million, or 1%, to $559.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with $553.3 million for the prior year. The increase was due primarily to higher employee-related expenses of $17.0 million and increased shipping and handling and occupancy costs of $5.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively. These increases were offset partially by lower sales commissions of $19.5 million.

Current wording

Selling and distribution expenses, inclusive of the BROSCO acquisition, increased $35.4 million, or 6%, to $594.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared with $559.5 million for the prior year. The increase was due primarily to higher employee-related expenses of $21.9 million, offset partially by decreased incentive compensation expense of $6.6 million. Shipping and handling and occupancy costs both increased $2.5 million. In addition, costs related to professional fees, travel and entertainment, and advertising increased $5.4 million.

Previous wording

General and administrative expenses increased $10.6 million, or 10%, to $114.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with $103.8 million for the prior year. The increase was due primarily to higher employee- related expenses, including base pay increases and incentive compensation of $7.3 million. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2023 we incurred $5.1 million of acquisition-related expenses for the acquisition of BROSCO, compared to $1.3 million incurred for the year ended December 31, 2022 for the acquisition of Coastal Plywood.

Current wording

General and administrative expenses decreased $12.1 million, or 11%, to $102.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared with $114.4 million for the prior year. The decrease was primarily the result of lower incentive compensation of $9.5 million. In addition, we incurred $5.1 million of acquisition-related expenses in the prior year for the BROSCO acquisition. These decreases were offset partially by an increase in other employee-related expenses of $1.5 million.

Previous wording

Income from operations decreased $533.4 million to $624.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with $1,157.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Current wording

Income from operations decreased $134.3 million to $490.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared with $624.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Previous wording

Wood Products. For the year ended December 31, 2023, segment income decreased $238.1 million to $337.1 million from $575.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in segment income was due primarily to lower plywood and EWP sales prices, as well as lower EWP sales volumes. In addition, segment income was negatively impacted by an increase in depreciation and amortization expense related to the Coastal Plywood acquisition and accelerated depreciation of $6.2 million in fourth quarter 2023 for the indefinite curtailment of lumber production at our Chapman, Alabama facility. These decreases in segment income were offset partially by lower wood fiber costs and higher plywood sales volumes.

Current wording

Wood Products. For the year ended December 31, 2024, segment income decreased $105.7 million to $231.5 million from $337.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in segment income was due primarily to lower EWP and plywood sales prices, as well as higher wood fiber and conversion costs. These decreases in segment income were offset partially by higher EWP sales volumes.

Previous wording

Building Materials Distribution. For the year ended December 31, 2023, segment income decreased $291.3 million to $335.8 million from $627.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decline in segment income was driven by a gross margin decrease of $276.0 million, resulting primarily from gross margin declines on EWP and commodity products and lower sales volumes across all product lines compared with 2022. In addition, general and administrative expenses increased $7.8 million, due partially to acquisition-related costs. Depreciation and amortization expenses also increased $5.3 million due primarily to increased capital expenditures, as well as the BROSCO Acquisition.

Current wording

Building Materials Distribution. For the year ended December 31, 2024, segment income decreased $32.4 million to $303.4 million from $335.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decline in segment income was driven by increased selling and distribution expenses and depreciation and amortization expense of $37.4 million and $17.2 million, respectively. These decreases in segment income were offset partially by a gross margin increase of $15.1 million, resulting primarily from improved gross margins on general line products, offset partially by lower gross margins on EWP and commodity products. In addition, general and administrative expenses decreased $6.7 million, primarily due to $5.1 million of acquisition-related expenses in the prior year for the BROSCO acquisition.

Previous wording

Corporate. Unallocated corporate expenses increased $4.2 million to $48.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, from $44.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was due primarily to higher employee-related and incentive compensation expenses.

Current wording

Corporate. Unallocated corporate expenses decreased $3.8 million to $44.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $48.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was due primarily to lower incentive compensation, offset partially by an increase in other employee-related expenses.

Previous wording

Interest Income. Interest income increased $35.8 million to $48.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, from $12.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was due primarily to higher interest rates on cash equivalents and increases in the average balances of cash equivalents.

Current wording

Interest Income. Interest income decreased $9.0 million to $39.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $48.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was due primarily to lower average balances of cash equivalents.

Previous wording

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recorded $161.4 million and $288.7 million, respectively, of income tax expense and had an effective rate of 25.0% and 25.2%, respectively. Our rate is affected by recurring items, such as state income taxes, and discrete items that may occur in any given year but are not consistent from year to year.

Current wording

For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recorded $125.4 million and $161.4 million, respectively, of income tax expense and had an effective rate of 25.0% for both periods. Our rate is affected by recurring items, such as state income taxes, and discrete items that may occur in any given year but are not consistent from year to year.

Previous wording

We ended 2023 with $949.6 million of cash and cash equivalents and $445.3 million of debt. At December 31, 2023, we had $1,345.5 million of available liquidity (cash and cash equivalents and undrawn committed bank line availability). Our cash and cash equivalents decreased by $48.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as cash provided by operations was offset by capital spending, funding the BROSCO Acquisition and dividends paid on our common stock, as further discussed below.

Current wording

We ended 2024 with $713.3 million of cash and cash equivalents and $450.0 million of debt. At December 31, 2024, we had $1,109.0 million of available liquidity (cash and cash equivalents and undrawn committed bank line availability). Our cash and cash equivalents decreased by $236.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, as cash provided by operations was offset by capital spending, dividends paid on our common stock, and treasury stock purchases, as further discussed below.

Previous wording

In 2023, our operating activities generated $687.5 million of cash, compared with $1,041.2 million in 2022. The $353.8 million decrease in cash provided by operations in 2023 relates primarily to the following:

Current wording

In 2024, our operating activities generated $438.3 million of cash, compared with $687.5 million in 2023. The $249.1 million decrease in cash provided by operations in 2024 relates primarily to the following:

Previous wording

•A $238.1 million decrease in income in our Wood Products segment and a $291.3 million decrease in income in our BMD segment. See "Operating Results" above for a discussion on our results for 2023.

Current wording

•A $105.7 million decrease in income in our Wood Products segment and a $32.4 million decrease in income in our BMD segment. See "Our Operating Results" above for a discussion on our results for 2024.

Previous wording

•A $23.6 million decrease in working capital during 2023, compared with a $41.0 million decrease in working capital during 2022. Working capital is subject to cyclical operating needs, seasonal buying patterns for inventory purchased for resale and logs, the timing of the collection of receivables, and the timing of payment of payables and expenses. The decrease in working capital in 2023 was primarily attributable to an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and decreased inventories, offset partially by higher receivables. The increase in accounts payable was related to increased purchasing in fourth quarter 2023 in response to improved demand compared to fourth quarter 2022 and extended terms offered by certain BMD vendors. The decrease in inventories was due primarily to improved housing demand in fourth quarter 2023 compared to fourth quarter 2022, offset partially by increased inventories at some BMD locations due to location expansions. The increase in receivables in 2023 primarily reflects increased sales of approximately 7%, comparing sales for the month of December 2023 with sales for the month of December 2022. The decrease in working capital in 2022 was primarily attributable to lower receivables, offset partially by an increase in inventories and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The decrease in receivables in 2022 primarily reflects decreased sales of approximately 24%, comparing sales for the month of December 2022 with sales for the month of December 2021. Inventories increased in 2022 primarily due to higher production costs for our manufactured products, the acquisition of two plywood facilities, and decreased housing demand related to economic uncertainties. The decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in 2022 was related to the decrease in inventories in our BMD segment and lower accrued rebates as of December 31, 2022 as housing activity slowed at the end of 2022.

Current wording

•A $94.8 million increase in working capital during 2024, compared with a $23.6 million decrease in working capital during 2023. Working capital is subject to cyclical operating needs, seasonal buying patterns for inventory purchased for resale and logs, participation in early-buy programs with certain vendors, the timing of the collection of receivables, and the timing of payment of payables and expenses. The increase in working capital in 2024 was primarily attributable to an increase in inventories and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, offset partially by decreased receivables. The increase in inventories was due primarily to weaker market conditions and participation in certain BMD vendors' early-buy programs in 2024, as well as recently added inventory for our door and millwork facilities in our BMD segment. The decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities was primarily due to less purchasing activity as a result of decreased demand, as well as lower accrued incentive compensation. The decrease in receivables primarily reflects decreased sales of approximately 5%, comparing sales for the month of December 2024 with sales for the month of December 2023. The decrease in working capital in 2023 was primarily attributable to an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and decreased inventories, offset partially by higher receivables. The increase in accounts payable was related to increased purchasing in fourth quarter 2023 in response to improved demand compared to fourth quarter 2022 and extended terms offered by certain BMD vendors. The decrease in inventories was due primarily to improved housing demand in fourth quarter 2023 compared to fourth quarter 2022, offset partially by increased inventories at some BMD locations due to location expansions. The increase in receivables in 2023 primarily reflects increased sales of approximately 7%, comparing sales for the month of December 2023 with sales for the month of December 2022.

Previous wording

•A $127.0 million decrease in cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds. During 2023, cash paid for taxes, net of refunds received was $133.0 million, compared to $260.0 million in 2022. The decrease in cash paid for income taxes is primarily due to a decrease in income from operations.

Current wording

•A $2.4 million decrease in cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds. During 2024, cash paid for taxes, net of refunds received was $130.6 million, compared to $133.0 million in 2023. The decrease in cash paid for income taxes is primarily due to timing of income tax payments.

Previous wording

Net cash used for investing activities was $375.6 million and $625.5 million during 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Current wording

Net cash used for investing activities was $237.8 million and $375.6 million during 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Previous wording

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we used approximately $215.4 million of cash for purchases of property and equipment, which included business improvement and quality/efficiency projects, replacement and expansion projects, and ongoing environmental compliance. Quality and efficiency projects include quality improvements, modernization, energy, and cost-saving projects. Our 2023 capital spending includes spending for veneer-related projects at mills that support EWP production, spending related to new door and millwork facilities in Kansas City, Missouri, and Denver, Colorado, the build out and start up of a new distribution center in Marion, Ohio, and the purchase of distribution centers in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Modesto, California. In addition, our capital spending includes initial funding for greenfield distribution centers in Texas and South Carolina. Purchases of property and equipment also included approximately $3 million for environmental compliance in 2023. In addition, we used $162.8 million, net of cash acquired, for the BROSCO Acquisition. These facilities expanded our door and millwork business into the Northeast U.S. markets and enhance BMD's general line product mix. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we received $1.0 million of earn-out income related to a previous asset sale in our Wood Products segment.

Current wording

During the year ended December 31, 2024, we used approximately $229.6 million of cash for purchases of property and equipment, which included business improvement and quality/efficiency projects, replacement and expansion projects, and ongoing environmental compliance. Quality and efficiency projects include quality improvements, modernization, energy, and cost-saving projects. In our Wood Products segment, our 2024 capital spending includes spending to convert a plywood layup line to a parallel laminated veneer line at our Chapman, Alabama veneer and plywood mill. In addition, it includes spending on multi-year investment projects to add I-joist production capabilities at our Thorsby, Alabama EWP mill, as well as significant modernization projects at our Oakdale, Louisiana veneer and plywood mill. In our BMD segment, our 2024 capital spending includes spending on the previously announced greenfield distribution centers in Texas and South Carolina. In addition, it includes the purchase of previously leased distribution centers in Westfield, Massachusetts and Chicago, Illinois. Purchases of property and equipment also included approximately $5 million for environmental compliance in 2024.

Previous wording

Excluding potential acquisitions, we expect capital expenditures in 2024 to total approximately $250 million to $270 million. We expect our capital spending in 2024 will be for business improvement and quality/efficiency projects, replacement and expansion projects, and ongoing environmental compliance. Our 2024 capital expenditures range includes spending on previously announced projects to add I-joist production capabilities at our Thorsby EWP mill and converting a plywood layup line to a parallel laminated veneer line at our Chapman, Alabama plywood facility. At our Oakdale, Louisiana facility, multiple investment projects are planned over the next two years which include upgrade and redesign of the log utilization center, a new veneer dryer and press, and modification of an existing veneer dryer. In addition, our 2024 capital expenditures range includes spending on the previously announced greenfield distribution centers in Texas and South Carolina in our BMD segment. Our 2024 capital spending also includes approximately $10 million for environmental compliance projects. This level of capital expenditures could increase or decrease as a result of several factors, including acquisitions, efforts to further accelerate organic growth, exercise of lease purchase options, our financial results, future economic conditions, availability of engineering and construction resources, and timing and availability of equipment purchases.

Current wording

Excluding potential acquisitions, we expect capital expenditures in 2025 to total approximately $220 million to $240 million. We expect our capital spending in 2025 will be for business improvement and quality/efficiency projects, replacement and expansion projects, and ongoing environmental compliance. Our 2025 capital expenditures range includes additional spending on the multi-year investments at our Thorsby EWP and Oakdale veneer and plywood mills, as well as our greenfield distribution centers in Texas and South Carolina, as discussed above. In addition, we expect to spend approximately $4 million for environmental compliance in 2025. This level of capital expenditures could increase or decrease as a result of several factors, including acquisitions, efforts to further accelerate organic growth, exercise of lease purchase options, our financial results, future economic conditions, availability of engineering and construction resources, and timing and availability of equipment purchases.

Previous wording

During the year ended December 31, 2022, we used $515.2 million of cash for the acquisition of Coastal Plywood. In addition, we used approximately $114.1 million of cash for purchases of property and equipment, which included business improvement and quality/efficiency projects, replacement and expansion projects, and ongoing environmental compliance. Quality and efficiency projects include quality improvements, modernization, energy, and cost-saving projects. In 2022, purchases of property and equipment included approximately $4 million for environmental compliance. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we received $2.5 million of earn-out income related to a previous asset sale in our Wood Products segment.

Current wording

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we used approximately $215.4 million of cash for purchases of property and equipment, which included business improvement and quality/efficiency projects, replacement and expansion projects, and ongoing environmental compliance. Purchases of property and equipment also included approximately $3 million for environmental compliance in 2023. In addition, we used $162.8 million, net of cash acquired, for the BROSCO acquisition. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we received $1.0 million of earn-out income related to a previous asset sale in our Wood Products segment.

Previous wording

During 2023, our financing activities used $360.7 million of cash, including $346.5 million for common stock dividend payments, $6.4 million for the repurchase of 75,678 shares of our common stock, and $5.9 million of tax withholding payments on stock-based awards. See "Dividends on Common Stock" below for further discussion of common stock dividend payments and "Stock Repurchase Program" below for further discussion of stock repurchases. During 2023, we did not borrow under our revolving credit facility and therefore had no borrowings outstanding on the facility as of December 31, 2023.

Current wording

During 2024, our financing activities used $436.8 million of cash, including $228.8 million in common stock dividend payments, $194.9 million for the repurchase of 1,513,095 shares of our common stock, and $11.1 million of tax withholding payments on stock-based awards. See "Dividends on Common Stock" below for further discussion of common stock dividend payments and "Stock Repurchase Program" below for further discussion of stock repurchases. During 2024, we did not borrow under our revolving credit facility and therefore had no borrowings outstanding on the facility as of December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

During 2022, our financing activities used $166.3 million of cash, including $159.6 million for common stock dividend payments and $3.9 million of tax withholding payments on stock-based awards. At December 31, 2022, we had no borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility.

Current wording

During 2023, our financing activities used $360.7 million of cash, including $346.5 million in common stock dividend payments, $6.4 million for the repurchase of 75,678 shares of our common stock, and $5.9 million of tax withholding payments on stock-based awards. At December 31, 2023, we had no borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility.

Previous wording

On July 28, 2022, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 1.5 million shares of our common stock. This increase was in addition to the remaining authorized shares under our prior common stock repurchase program that was authorized on February 25, 2015 (the Program). Share repurchases may be made on an opportunistic basis through open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, or by other means in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. We are not obligated to purchase any shares, and there is no set date that the program will expire. Our board of directors, at its discretion, may increase or decrease the number of authorized shares or terminate the Program at any time. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased 75,678 shares under the Program. As of December 31, 2023, there were approximately 1.9 million shares of common stock that may yet be purchased under the program. For more information related to our stock repurchases, see Note 12, Stockholders' Equity, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K.

Current wording

On October 30, 2024, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 1.4 million shares of our common stock. This is the most recent authorization under our common stock repurchase program that was authorized on February 25, 2015 (the Program). Share repurchases may be made on an opportunistic basis through open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, or by other means in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. We are not obligated to purchase any shares, and there is no set date that the program will expire. Our board of directors, at its discretion, may increase or decrease the number of authorized shares or terminate the Program at any time. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we repurchased 1,513,095 shares under the Program. As of December 31, 2024, there were approximately 1.8 million shares of common stock that may yet be purchased under the Program. For more information related to our stock repurchases, see Note 12, Stockholders' Equity, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had long-term debt with varying maturities totaling an aggregate principal of $450.0 million, with no principal payments required within 12 months. Future interest payments associated with the long-term debt total $147.9 million, with $22.6 million payable within 12 months. Long-term debt and interest amounts assume our debt is held to maturity. For more information, see Note 8, Debt, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had long-term debt with varying maturities totaling an aggregate principal of $450.0 million, with no principal payments required within 12 months. Future interest payments associated with the long-term debt total approximately $124 million, with approximately $22 million payable within 12 months. Long-term debt and interest amounts assume our debt is held to maturity. For more information, see Note 8, Debt, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K.

Previous wording

We enter into various operating and finance leases for our distribution centers, as well as other property and equipment. As of December 31, 2023, our minimum lease payments for operating leases were $86.5 million, with $13.1 million of lease payments required within 12 months. As of December 31, 2023, our minimum lease payments for finance leases were $48.1 million, with $4.1 million of lease payments required within 12 months. Some lease agreements provide us with the option to renew the lease or purchase the leased property. The lease term includes any renewal option periods we are reasonably certain of exercising. Our operating and finance lease obligations could change based on whether we actually exercise these renewal options and/or if we entered into additional lease agreements. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 9, Leases, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.

Current wording

We enter into various operating and finance leases for our distribution centers, as well as other property and equipment. As of December 31, 2024, our minimum lease payments for operating leases were $66.5 million, with $13.1 million of lease payments required within 12 months. As of December 31, 2024, our minimum lease payments for finance leases were $44.8 million, with $3.7 million of lease payments required within 12 months. These amounts exclude the undiscounted future lease payments for additional leases signed but not yet commenced as of December 31, 2024 of approximately $9 million. Some lease agreements provide us with the option to renew the lease or purchase the leased property. The lease term includes any renewal option periods we are reasonably certain of exercising. Our operating and finance lease obligations could change based on whether we actually exercise these renewal options and/or if we entered into additional lease agreements. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 9, Leases, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we have contracts to purchase approximately $175 million of logs, approximately $55 million of which will be purchased pursuant to fixed-price contracts and approximately $120 million of which will be purchased pursuant to variable-price contracts. The $120 million is estimated using current contractual index pricing, but actual prices depend on future market prices. We are required to purchase approximately $36 million of logs within 12 months. Under certain log agreements, we have the right to cancel or reduce our commitments in the event of a mill curtailment or shutdown. Future purchase prices under most of the variable-price agreements will be set quarterly or semiannually based on regional market prices. Our log requirements and our access to supply, as well as the cost of obtaining logs, are subject to change based on, among other things, the effect of governmental laws and regulations, our manufacturing operations not operating in the normal course of business, log availability, and the status of environmental appeals. Except for deposits required pursuant to log supply contracts, these obligations are not recorded in our consolidated financial statements until contract payment terms take effect.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we have contracts to purchase approximately $124 million of logs, approximately $55 million of which will be purchased pursuant to fixed-price contracts and approximately $69 million of which will be purchased pursuant to variable-price contracts. The $69 million is estimated using current contractual index pricing, but actual prices depend on future market prices. We are required to purchase approximately $42 million of logs within 12 months. Under certain log agreements, we have the right to cancel or reduce our commitments in the event of a mill curtailment or shutdown. Future purchase prices under most of the variable-price agreements will be set quarterly or semiannually based on regional market prices. Our log requirements and our access to supply, as well as the cost of obtaining logs, are subject to change based on, among other things, the effect of governmental laws and regulations, our manufacturing operations not operating in the normal course of business, log availability, and the status of environmental appeals. Except for deposits required pursuant to log supply contracts, these obligations are not recorded in our consolidated financial statements until contract payment terms take effect.

Previous wording

A portion of the products we manufacture or purchase and resell and some of our key production inputs are commodities whose price is determined by the market's supply and demand for such products. Price fluctuations in our selling prices and key costs have a significant effect on our financial performance. The markets for most of these commodities are cyclical and are primarily affected by economic uncertainties, industry operating rates, supply-related disruptions, transportation constraints or disruptions, net import and export activity, inventory levels in various distribution channels, and seasonal demand patterns. For further discussion of commodity price risk, refer to "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of this Form 10-K and "Factors That Affect Our Operating Results and Trends" in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Current wording

A portion of the products we manufacture or purchase and resell and some of our key production inputs are commodities whose price is determined by the market's supply and demand for such products. Price fluctuations in our selling prices and key costs have a significant effect on our financial performance. The markets for most of these commodities are cyclical and are primarily affected by economic uncertainties, industry operating rates, supply-related disruptions, transportation constraints or disruptions, net import and export activity, trade policies, inventory levels in various distribution channels, and seasonal demand patterns. For further discussion of commodity price risk, refer to "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of this Form 10-K and "Factors That Affect Our Operating Results and Trends" in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Previous wording

We are exposed to interest rate risk arising from fluctuations in variable-rate SOFR on our term loan and when we have loan amounts outstanding on our Revolving Credit Facility. At December 31, 2023, we had $50.0 million of variable-rate debt outstanding based on one-month term SOFR. Our objective is to limit the variability of interest payments on our debt. To meet this objective, we enter into receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps to mitigate the variable-rate cash flow exposure with fixed-rate cash flows. In accordance with our risk management strategy, we actively monitor our interest rate exposure and use derivative instruments from time to time to manage the related risk. We do not speculate using derivative instruments.

Current wording

We are exposed to interest rate risk arising from fluctuations in variable-rate Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) on our term loan and when we have loan amounts outstanding on our Revolving Credit Facility. At December 31, 2024, we had $50.0 million of variable-rate debt outstanding based on one-month term SOFR. Our objective is to limit the variability of interest payments on our debt. To meet this objective, we enter into receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps to mitigate the variable-rate cash flow exposure with fixed-rate cash flows. In accordance with our risk management strategy, we actively monitor our interest rate exposure and use derivative instruments from time to time to manage the related risk. We do not speculate using derivative instruments.