Rayonier Advanced Matls Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Rayonier Advanced Materials (NYSE:RYAM) has announced the appointment of Lyle W. Bloomquist as the new President and CEO, effective immediately, succeeding Vito J. Consiglio, who stepped down. Lisa M. Palumbo has been named the Non-Executive Chair of the Board. Bloomquist, with nearly 30 years of industry experience, aims to enhance the company’s profitability while reaffirming the company’s EBITDA guidance for the second quarter and full year 2022. He emphasizes increasing operational reliability and addressing supply chain challenges.

Chatham Asset Management, holding 6.3% of Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM), has reaffirmed its intent to withhold votes against Board members Thomas Morgan and Lisa Palumbo at the upcoming annual meeting on May 16, 2022. Concerns include the Board's adoption of a poison pill without shareholder approval and lack of urgency in addressing the refinancing of 2024 Notes amid rising interest rates. A leading proxy advisor recommends voting against the Board's governance chair due to these issues, emphasizing that the company's share price has significantly declined since the poison pill adoption.

Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM) reported a net loss of $25 million for Q1 2022, an improvement from a $27 million loss in Q1 2021. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $20 million, down $12 million year-over-year, impacted by higher input costs from inflation and lower sales volumes. Despite these challenges, RYAM remains optimistic, implementing a cost surcharge to offset inflation and expecting improved EBITDA in Q2. Strong demand for high purity cellulose and paperboard products is anticipated to drive sales, with strategic maintenance outages aimed at boosting productivity.

Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM) has sold 28,684,433 common shares of GreenFirst Forest Products for approximately $43.3 million to Interfor Corporation's subsidiary. This sale includes a Purchase Price Protection clause allowing RYAM to benefit from future stock price increases under specific conditions. The company plans to utilize the proceeds primarily to repay debt, particularly its Senior Notes due on June 1, 2024. With annual revenues around $1.4 billion, Rayonier focuses on cellulose-based technologies and operates in the U.S., Canada, and France.

Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM) will announce its first quarter 2022 earnings on May 3, 2022, after market close. A conference call is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. EST on May 4, 2022 to discuss the results, with access available on their website. The company is a leader in cellulose-based technologies, generating approximately $1.4 billion in revenue and employing over 2,500 individuals across operations in the U.S., Canada, and France.

Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM) reaffirms its commitment to stockholders, encouraging votes for its board nominees amidst Chatham Asset Management's proposals. The board believes current refinancing proposals from Chatham are unfavorable and is confident in securing better terms for its Senior Notes due in 2024. The company aims to enhance stockholder value by optimizing its biorefineries and managing supply chain challenges. The annual meeting is set for May 16, 2022, to elect three new board members, enhancing the board's diversity and expertise.

Chatham Asset Management, a substantial shareholder of Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM), plans to withhold votes against directors Thomas I. Morgan and Lisa M. Palumbo during the annual meeting on May 16, 2022. Chatham, owning approximately 6.3% of RYAM, expresses concerns over poor stock performance and Board engagements. They criticize management's failure to quickly address debt maturities and compensation misalignments. Chatham calls for Board accountability after years of value destruction, highlighting a troubling 21% decline in stock price since asset sales.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. (NYSE: RYAM) announced that its fluff pulp has achieved the 'Inspected Raw Material' status by Nordic Swan Ecolabelling. This certification indicates compliance with stringent environmental manufacturing standards, highlighting RYAM's commitment to sustainability. With an annual production capacity of 245,000 tons, RYAM's fluff pulp will allow consumers to identify eco-friendly products, enhancing marketability in absorbent hygiene markets. This recognition is a significant milestone in RYAM’s BioFuture initiative to promote sustainable, environmentally-friendly practices.

Chatham Asset Management, which owns approximately 6.3% of Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM), has urged the company's Board to engage in discussions regarding its proposed refinancing of the 5.50% Senior Notes maturing June 1, 2024. In a letter, Chatham expressed skepticism about the Board's confidence in obtaining future refinancing under better market conditions, criticizing the adoption of a poison pill as a defensive tactic against accountability. Chatham argues that its refinancing terms would benefit all shareholders and calls for the Board to act swiftly to de-risk the Company's balance sheet.