RE:quarterly sales I was leaning towards slightly positive with results.
With the last couple years dealing with a decrease than increase in lumber prices; with the major shareholder selling in 3 seperate bought deals. Senior management departed and a push recently to do share buy backs. Glad to see some improvements or just that the market has taken notice.
Debt was increased due to increase in inventory to be sold in upcoming quarters.
Factoring in currency effect with CAD/USD exchange rate differed from last year.
In the press release it says factoring out currency exchange utility poles were up 4% y/y and railway ties were down 3%.
In the last year one of the suppliers for a chemical ceased production and Stella Jones no longer able to produce railway ties with this chemical; reducing total sales as some rail customers want this chemical on ties.