• The forecast is a unique industry offering with a near-term supply chain application focus – average monthly prices for the next 24 months.
• The stumpage prices being forecasted are based on F2M’s market transaction data, not market opinions. This means there is a direct benchmark value in the forecast rather than just a relative index of market dynamics.
• The models are local market focused which means 4Cast results relate to actual prices being paid for wood fiber in a real market – not an average for some hypothetical geographic area that does not function as a market.
• Along with relating the impact of global and national effects on local markets the models consider real world factors, including weather and ground conditions that influence day-to-day operations and decisions.
• The models are updated quarterly, reflecting market dynamism that is a reality in today’s globally linked economy.

The bottom-line: Forest2Market's forecast offers an impressive value proposition for both timber owners and mill owners. For a 100,000 ton-per-year operation, being able to improve price realizations (for timber owners) or lower fiber costs (for mill owners) by an average of $0.20 per ton over the course of the year through better market timing, price negotiation, workload management, and inventory control translates into a more than five-times pay-off for the subscription price. Improving profitability is always a priority, but in tough markets it is the difference between success and failure.

Tailor your 4Cast to include the information you need — adding only the regions and sub-regions in which you do business.

For each region, the quarterly report includes:

• The Economic Outlook — A comprehensive look at the macroeconomic factors that influence the industry, including GDP, consumer spending, manufacturing, employment, interest and currency exchange rates, housing, and oil prices. The Outlook begins with a review of the current situation and then forecasts major economic indicators 24 months in advance. View sample. (The Economic Outlook is also available in a yearly subscription. For information about adding a monthly Economic Outlook to your 4Cast subscription, call 704-540-1440.)

• Regional Stumpage Report — An in-depth look at the factors that affect regional timber prices. This report projects the relative influence of general economy, industry and local capacity and conditions in order to determine stumpage prices 24 months in advance. Prices are forecast for pine sawtimber, pine pulpwood, and hardwood pulpwood. These reports are available for six regions in the U.S. South. View sample.

Then, add detailed reports on one or more sub-regions.

• Sub-Regional Reports — A targeted look at smaller, more local markets. These reports provide 24-month price projections for 22 individual markets in the U.S. South. View sample.

For an in-depth description of how the 4Cast is derived, see methodology.

For more information, call (704) 540-1440, or send us an email.