Core Viewpoint - AdvanSix reported quarterly earnings of $0.93 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.83 per share, and showing a significant improvement from a loss of $0.56 per share a year ago [1][2] Financial Performance - The company achieved revenues of $377.79 million for the quarter ended March 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8.80% and increasing from $336.83 million year-over-year [2] - Over the last four quarters, AdvanSix has consistently surpassed consensus EPS estimates [2] Stock Performance - AdvanSix shares have declined approximately 25.2% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's decline of 4.7% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating expectations of underperformance in the near future [6] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.37 on revenues of $431.3 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $3.61 on revenues of $1.57 billion [7] - The trend of estimate revisions for AdvanSix has been unfavorable leading up to the earnings release [6] Industry Context - The Chemical - Specialty industry, to which AdvanSix belongs, is currently ranked in the top 38% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable environment for stocks in this sector [8]

Financial Performance - 1Q25 Sales reached $378 million, a 12% increase compared to $337 million in 1Q24[6, 9] - Adjusted EBITDA for 1Q25 was $52 million, significantly up from $1 million in 1Q24[6, 9] - Adjusted EBITDA Margin improved to 13.7% in 1Q25, compared to 0.2% in 1Q24[6, 9] - Adjusted EPS for 1Q25 was $0.93, a substantial increase from $(0.56) in 1Q24[6, 9] - Net Income for 1Q25 was $23.3 million, compared to a loss of $17.4 million in 1Q24[7, 9] Key Drivers and Factors - Operational performance and insurance proceeds supported higher 1Q25 results[7] - The company received an omnibus insurance settlement of approximately $26 million in 1Q25 related to a 2019 PES supplier shutdown[7, 13] - Volume increased by 7% and price increased by 5%, with market-based pricing contributing 4% and raw materials pass-through contributing 1% to the sales increase[11] Market Outlook - Strong sulfur nutrition demand and tight North American ammonium sulfate supply are expected to support sulfur premiums[7, 20] - The company anticipates higher raw material prices impacting fertilizer margins[7, 20] - Global oversupply conditions are impacting industry pricing dynamics in the nylon market[7, 26]

Financial Performance - 1Q25 sales reached $378 million, a 12% increase compared to the prior year, driven by a 7% increase in volume and 4% favorable market-based pricing [2][5][8]. - Net income for 1Q25 was $23.3 million, an increase of $40.7 million year-over-year, with adjusted earnings per share of $0.93, up $1.49 from the previous year [5][11]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $51.6 million, a significant increase of $51.0 million compared to the prior year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.7%, up 1,350 basis points [5][10]. - Total sales for Q1 2025 reached $377.791 million, a 12.1% increase from $336.829 million in Q1 2024 [25]. - Net income for Q1 2025 was $23.344 million, compared to a net loss of $17.396 million in Q1 2024, marking a significant turnaround [25]. - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $51.626 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.7%, up from 0.2% in Q1 2024 [30]. - Basic earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 2025 was $0.87, compared to a loss per share of $(0.65) in Q1 2024 [31]. Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures - Cash flow from operations improved to $11.4 million, an increase of $47.6 million year-over-year, while free cash flow was ($22.6) million, an improvement of $49.0 million [5][11]. - Capital expenditures for 1Q25 were $34.1 million, a decrease of $1.3 million compared to the prior year, with expectations for total capital expenditures of $145 to $155 million in 2025 [5][15]. - The company reported a free cash flow of $(22.619) million for Q1 2025, an improvement from $(71.590) million in Q1 2024 [28]. - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $8.344 million at the end of Q1 2025, down from $19.564 million at the end of Q4 2024 [27]. Assets and Liabilities - Total current assets increased to $418.182 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $387.116 million at December 31, 2024 [24]. - Total liabilities rose to $831.606 million as of March 31, 2025, up from $820.270 million at December 31, 2024 [24]. Strategic Focus and Market Conditions - The company anticipates a pre-tax income impact of plant turnarounds to be $25 to $30 million in 2025, down from approximately $58 million in 2024 [15]. - Strong demand for sulfur nutrition and tight North American ammonium sulfate supply are expected to support sulfur premiums at or near the high end of historical ranges [15]. - The company is focused on disciplined cost and cash management while maintaining investments for sustainable long-term performance [13]. - The company continues to leverage its competitive position in nylon to navigate a protracted downturn in the cycle due to global oversupply conditions [15]. Dividends and Investments - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share was declared, payable on May 27, 2025 [14]. - The company plans to invest approximately $25-$30 million in sulfuric acid operations for FY 2025 [34]. - The company experienced an unfavorable impact of approximately $17 million to pre-tax income due to maintenance during a planned plant turnaround [36].

Core Viewpoint - AdvanSix Inc. reported a fourth-quarter earnings of $0.01 per share, a significant improvement from a loss of $0.19 in the same quarter last year, and adjusted earnings of $0.09 per share exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.37 [1][2] Financial Performance - Revenues for the fourth quarter were $329.1 million, down approximately 14% year over year, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $377.2 million [2] - Sales volumes decreased around 16% primarily due to delayed ramp-up to full operating rates following a planned plant turnaround [2] - For the full year 2024, earnings were reported at $1.62 per share, down from $1.95 the previous year, with total sales falling about 1% year over year to approximately $1,517.6 million [4] Product Line Sales - Nylon sales were approximately $67.2 million, down around 14% year over year, below the consensus estimate of $81 million [3] - Caprolactam sales were around $57.2 million, down about 31% year over year, also below the consensus estimate of $77 million [3] - Chemical Intermediates sales remained flat year over year at $102.1 million, below the consensus estimate of $103 million [3] - Plant Nutrients sales fell roughly 14% year over year to around $102.6 million [3] Financial Position - AdvanSix ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $19.6 million, a decrease of about 34% year over year [5] - Long-term debt increased around 15% year over year to $195 million [5] - Cash flow from operations was $64 million for the quarter and $135.4 million for the full year 2024 [5] Market Outlook - The company anticipates strong demand for sulfur nutrition and tight ammonium sulfate supply in North America, which is expected to support sulfur premiums at or near historical highs [6] - Balanced global acetone supply and demand conditions are projected to maintain industry spreads above cycle averages [6] - A slower recovery is expected for the North American nylon industry due to stable end-market demand and increased domestic competition [6] Capital Expenditures - AdvanSix plans capital expenditures of $140-$160 million in 2025 [7] - The pre-tax income impact of plant turnarounds is expected to be $25-$30 million in 2025, compared to approximately $58 million in 2024 [7] Stock Performance - ASIX stock has gained 5.8% over the past year, contrasting with a 20.6% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Specialty industry [9]

Customer Concentration and Sales - The company's 10 largest customers accounted for approximately 38% of total sales in 2024, with the largest customer being Shaw, a major consumer of Nylon 6 resin and caprolactam[94]. - The company is exposed to risks associated with customer concentration, which could lead to significant financial impacts if major customers reduce their purchasing volumes[94]. Economic and Market Risks - The company faces significant risks from economic volatility, including inflation and potential recessionary pressures, which could adversely affect sales and margins[84]. - Competition in the industry is intense, with pressures on pricing and gross margins due to evolving market demands and regulatory changes[96]. - The company faces risks related to international trade policies that could increase costs or decrease demand for its products, adversely affecting its financial condition[132]. Operational Risks - The company relies heavily on third-party transportation for raw materials and product shipments, making it vulnerable to disruptions that could impact financial performance[93]. - Raw material price fluctuations, particularly for cumene, natural gas, and sulfur, are critical to the company's cost structure and could adversely affect profitability if not managed effectively[90]. - The company has experienced unplanned production interruptions in the past, which could lead to increased costs and loss of customer relationships[89]. - The capital-intensive nature of the industry may require the company to seek additional financing in the future, which may not be available on favorable terms[95]. - The company emphasizes the importance of maintaining production efficiency and controlling costs to offset potential decreases in pricing and profitability[82]. Regulatory and Environmental Risks - The company faces potential liabilities related to environmental hazards from past operations, which could result in substantial costs and negatively impact its financial condition[123]. - The company is subject to extensive environmental regulations that may impose additional costs and operational changes, potentially affecting its business performance[124]. - Climate change may lead to extreme weather conditions that could disrupt operations and increase costs, impacting the company's financial results[125]. - The company is impacted by increasing stakeholder interest in sustainability and ESG matters, leading to expanded reporting and investments in these areas[129]. Financial and Investment Risks - The company may need to record significant impairment charges related to goodwill, intangibles, and other long-lived assets, which could adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations[117]. - The company may face significant cash contributions to its defined benefit pension plan in the future, which could impact cash flow and financial condition[115]. - The company has not made pension contributions in 2024 but may need to in future periods to meet funding requirements[116]. - The company has restrictive covenants associated with its indebtedness that may limit its operational flexibility and ability to pursue strategic initiatives[120]. - The market price of the company's common stock may fluctuate significantly due to various factors, including market conditions and stockholder activism[139]. Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships - The company is actively evaluating acquisitions and strategic partnerships, which may present challenges and risks that could affect financial condition[104]. - The company’s ability to develop and commercialize new products and technologies is crucial for maintaining competitive advantage and meeting customer needs[96]. - The company emphasizes the importance of enhancing existing products and developing new technologies, which requires significant investment in R&D and marketing[98]. Cybersecurity and Legal Risks - Cybersecurity threats are increasing, and a successful attack could disrupt operations and adversely impact financial condition[112]. - Legal risks from litigation, including product liability and environmental claims, could materially impact financial results and brand value[101]. - The use of AI presents risks related to unauthorized disclosures and potential legal liabilities, which could adversely affect business operations[114]. Workforce and Operational Flexibility - Approximately 52% of the workforce is covered by collective bargaining agreements, which may impact operational flexibility and financial condition[110]. - The company relies on the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel, with competition for talent being intense, which could affect operations[111]. Financial Management and Stockholder Considerations - The company cannot guarantee the timing, declaration, amount, or payment of any dividends, which may be limited by the terms of its indebtedness[142]. - Stockholder percentage ownership in AdvanSix may be diluted due to common stock-based equity awards and potential equity issuance for capital raising or acquisitions[143]. - The existence of a share repurchase program may increase stock price volatility and does not obligate the company to repurchase any specific amount of shares[141]. - A 25-basis point fluctuation in interest rates for the year ended December 31, 2024, would result in an increase or decrease to interest expense of approximately $0.5 million based on current borrowing levels[272]. - Fluctuations in stock price could expose the company to litigation, resulting in substantial costs and management distraction[141]. Internal Controls and Governance - Failure to maintain effective internal controls could result in penalties or investigations, negatively impacting the company's stock price and financial reporting[133]. - Provisions in the company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation may discourage takeovers and prevent certain types of transactions[144]. - The spin-off could lead to significant tax liabilities for U.S. stockholders if it does not qualify for non-recognition of gain and loss under Section 355(e) of the Code[137].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for Q4 2024 were $329 million, a decrease of approximately 14% compared to the prior year, with sales volume down about 16% due to delayed ramp-up following a planned turnaround [12][13] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $10 million, down $5 million year-over-year, primarily due to plant turnaround timing, partially offset by favorable sales mix and insurance claim proceeds [13] - Adjusted earnings per share increased by $0.19 to $0.09, influenced by $9.7 million in carbon capture tax credits, reducing the effective tax rate to 3.1% for the full year 2024 [13][14] - Free cash flow for Q4 2024 was $30 million, up $8 million from the prior year, with cash flow from operations increasing by $4 million to $64 million [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The plant nutrients business showed strong performance, with ammonium sulfate prices in the corn belt up 15% year-over-year, while nitrogen pricing declined by 8% [22] - Nylon business faced persistent global oversupply, impacting pricing and spreads, with North American demand remaining stable but competitive behavior affecting spreads [26][28] - Chemical intermediates, particularly acetone, maintained healthy prices amid balanced global supply and demand, although demand for acetone in MMA markets remained soft [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market for ammonium sulfate is robust, with a strong order book sold out into the second quarter of 2025, supported by rising grain and nitrogen fertilizer prices [22][36] - Natural gas and sulfur prices are expected to increase significantly year-over-year, impacting raw material costs and pricing strategies [34][35] - The competitive landscape in the nylon market is influenced by increased imports from Asia and stable domestic supply, leading to a slower recovery in pricing [28][85] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic growth priorities, including capital investments in expanding granular ammonium sulfate capacity and maintaining prudent debt leverage levels [8][17] - The company aims to improve through-cycle profitability by optimizing regional and product sales mix and promoting differentiated product offerings [40][41] - The company is pursuing carbon capture tax credits as a significant value driver, with expectations of continued growth in this area [10][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged operational performance did not meet expectations but highlighted resilience and strong cash flow performance [6][7] - The outlook for 2025 anticipates meaningful year-over-year earnings improvement, supported by operational excellence and strong commercial performance [39] - The macroeconomic environment remains favorable for the industries served, with expectations of strong sulfur premiums and a balanced acetone supply-demand environment [41] Other Important Information - The company received $5.3 million in insurance proceeds in Q4 2024 related to the 2019 PES QME supplier shutdown, totaling approximately $39 million in aggregated insurance proceeds since the event [9] - The company is recognized for its carbon capture efforts, claiming initial 45Q tax credits of $9.7 million for the 2018 and 2019 tax years [10][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the maximum conversion level for granular production? - Management indicated a target conversion of 75% for the SUSPANE program, with no expectation to reach 100% due to market dynamics [46] Question: Is the phenol market still problematic for acetone production? - Management confirmed that phenol operating rates are around 65%, and the company is targeting higher rates due to strong integration into the caprolactam value chain [49] Question: What is the expected carbon capture output for 2025? - Management suggested a run rate of approximately $5 million for carbon capture credits, which could escalate with inflation adjustments [52] Question: Can you elaborate on the capital spending plans for 2025? - Management outlined a capital expenditure range of $140 to $160 million, with a significant portion directed towards growth projects and sustaining operations [62] Question: How are natural gas costs impacting competitiveness in the fertilizer market? - Management noted that energy costs are crucial for nitrogen producers, influencing global pricing dynamics and competitiveness [70] Question: What is the outlook for the broader agricultural portfolio beyond ammonium sulfate? - Management acknowledged challenges in the ag chemical space, particularly due to low-price competition and imports, contrasting with positive trends in dry fertilizers [92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for Q4 2024 were $329 million, a decrease of approximately 14% year-over-year, with sales volume down about 16% due to delayed ramp-up following planned turnarounds [10][11] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $10 million, down $5 million from the previous year, primarily due to plant turnaround impacts [11] - Adjusted earnings per share increased to $0.09, up $0.19 year-over-year, influenced by $9.7 million in carbon capture tax credits [11] - Free cash flow for Q4 2024 was $30 million, an increase of $8 million compared to the prior year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Plant Nutrients business saw strong performance, with ammonium sulfate prices in the Corn Belt up 15% year-over-year, while nitrogen pricing declined by 8% [16][18] - Nylon business faced persistent global oversupply, impacting pricing and spreads, with North American demand remaining stable [20][21] - Chemical intermediates experienced healthy acetone prices, although demand for acetone in MMA markets was soft [22][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market for ammonium sulfate is robust, with a strong order book sold out into Q2 2025, supported by rising grain and nitrogen fertilizer prices [18][26] - Anticipated higher raw material prices, particularly for natural gas and sulfur, are expected to impact overall pricing spreads in 2025 [24][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic growth priorities, including investments in granular ammonium sulfate capacity and maintaining prudent debt levels [6][29] - The company aims to improve through-cycle profitability by optimizing product sales mix and driving productivity [28][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged operational challenges in 2024 but expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver improved earnings in 2025, supported by a resilient business model [29][71] - The macroeconomic environment remains largely favorable for the industries served, with expectations of strong sulfur premiums supporting plant nutrients [29] Other Important Information - The company received approximately $39 million in insurance proceeds related to the 2019 PES cumene supplier shutdown, with $5.3 million recognized in Q4 2024 [7] - The company claimed $9.7 million in 45Q carbon capture tax credits in Q4 2024, which significantly reduced the effective tax rate [8][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the conversion to granular ammonium sulfate - Management indicated a target conversion of 75% for granular production, aligning with North American domestic demand [32][33] Question: Phenol market conditions and acetone production - Management confirmed that they are running above industry rates for phenol, which supports acetone production amid lower phenol operating rates [34] Question: Future carbon capture estimates - Management suggested a potential run rate of $5 million to $6 million for carbon capture credits in the coming years, with inflation adjustments [36] Question: Capital spending breakdown for 2025 - Management outlined that capital expenditures for 2025 are projected between $140 million and $160 million, with a significant portion directed towards growth projects [46][48] Question: Natural gas costs and their impact on competitiveness - Management acknowledged that energy costs are crucial for nitrogen producers and that they are monitoring how these costs affect global trade dynamics [51][52] Question: Competitive pressures in the nylon market - Management noted that while demand remains stable, increased domestic supply has led to competitive pressures, particularly from imports [60][61] Question: Outlook for agricultural chemicals - Management indicated challenges in the ag chemical space, particularly due to low-price competition from Chinese imports [62]

Core Viewpoint - AdvanSix reported quarterly earnings of $0.09 per share, significantly beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.37 per share, marking an earnings surprise of 124.32% [1] - The company’s revenues for the quarter were $329.06 million, which fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 12.75% and decreased from $382.21 million year-over-year [2] Financial Performance - AdvanSix has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times over the last four quarters [2] - The company had an earnings surprise of 33.33% in the previous quarter, with actual earnings of $0.88 per share compared to an expected $0.66 [1][2] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.89, with projected revenues of $391 million, and for the current fiscal year, the estimate is $4.21 on $1.69 billion in revenues [7] Market Performance - AdvanSix shares have increased by approximately 2.9% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 4% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [6] Industry Outlook - The Chemical - Specialty industry, to which AdvanSix belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 28% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges ahead [8] - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which could impact AdvanSix's stock performance [5]

Sales Performance - 4Q24 sales were $329 million, down 14% year-over-year, primarily due to a 16% decrease in sales volume[8] - Full year 2024 sales totaled $1.52 billion, a decrease of approximately 1% compared to 2023, driven by a 2% decrease in volume[4] - Total sales for the three months ended December 31, 2024, were $329,063,000, a decrease from $382,208,000 in the same period of 2023, representing a decline of approximately 13.9%[26] Net Income and Earnings - Net income for FY 2024 was $44.1 million, down $10.5 million from the prior year, with diluted earnings per share of $1.62[5] - Net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was $44,149,000, down from $54,623,000 in 2023, indicating a decrease of about 19.2%[26] - Net income for Q4 2024 was $352 million, a significant recovery from a loss of $5,082 million in Q4 2023[34] - Adjusted net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was $53,318 million, compared to $59,929 million in 2023[35] - Basic EPS for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was $1.65, down from $2.00 in 2023, while diluted EPS was $1.62 compared to $1.95[35] EBITDA and Margins - Adjusted EBITDA for FY 2024 was $142.1 million, a decrease of $11.4 million year-over-year, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 9.4%[4] - Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was $142,116 million, down from $153,559 million in 2023, reflecting a margin of 9.4% compared to 10.0%[34] Cash Flow and Liquidity - Cash flow from operations for FY 2024 increased to $135.4 million, up $17.9 million from the previous year[4] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period were $19,564,000, down from $29,768,000 at the end of 2023, reflecting a decrease of approximately 34.3%[30] - Free cash flow for the three months ended December 31, 2024, was $29,816,000, compared to $21,817,000 in the same period of 2023, showing an increase of about 36.5%[32] - The company reported a net cash provided by operating activities of $64,165,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $60,169,000 in the same period of 2023, an increase of approximately 3.3%[30] Expenses and Liabilities - The company’s selling, general and administrative expenses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, were $94,023,000, slightly down from $95,538,000 in 2023, indicating a decrease of about 1.6%[26] - The company’s interest expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was $11,311,000, up from $7,485,000 in 2023, reflecting an increase of approximately 51.5%[26] - Total liabilities rose to $820,270,000 as of December 31, 2024, compared to $756,783,000 in 2023, representing an increase of about 8.4%[25] Future Projections - The company expects a 10% increase in sales volume for 2025, despite a slower start to the year[14] - Capital expenditures are projected to be between $140 million and $160 million in 2025, reflecting growth projects including the SUSTAIN program[14] - The anticipated pre-tax income impact of plant turnarounds is expected to be $25 to $30 million in 2025, down from approximately $58 million in 2024[14] Dividends - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share was declared, payable on March 24, 2025[16] Assets and Retained Earnings - Total assets increased to $1,594,920,000 as of December 31, 2024, from $1,496,020,000 in 2023, marking an increase of approximately 6.6%[25] - The company’s retained earnings increased to $631,541,000 as of December 31, 2024, from $605,067,000 in 2023, showing an increase of about 4.4%[25] Other Financial Impacts - The company incurred a pre-tax loss of approximately $1.2 million related to the exit from the Oben Holding Group S.A. alliance in Q3 2023[34] - The company reported a net pre-tax loss of $4.5 million from several transactions in 2023, including the exit from low-margin oximes products[34] - The company experienced an incremental unfavorable impact of approximately $15 million to pre-tax income due to maintenance expenses during a planned plant turnaround[40]

Core Viewpoint - AdvanSix Inc. (ASIX) is set to release its fourth-quarter 2024 results on February 21, with expectations of mixed performance due to various market factors and operational challenges [1][3]. Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ASIX's sales in the upcoming quarter is $377.1 million, reflecting a decline of approximately 1.3% year-over-year [4]. - Nylon sales are estimated at $81 million, indicating a year-over-year increase of 3.5%, while Caprolactam sales are projected at $77 million, showing a decline of 6.7% [4]. - Ammonium Sulfate sales are expected to be $94 million, down 13.5% year-over-year, and Chemical Intermediates sales are estimated at $103 million, representing an 8.7% decline [5]. Factors Influencing ASIX Stock - AdvanSix benefits from a differentiated product portfolio and exposure to diverse end markets, with favorable demand and pricing expected to support performance [6]. - The nylon demand remains strong in engineered plastics and packaging applications, while the agricultural sector's fundamentals are positive for ammonium sulfate [8]. - The company experienced higher sales for nylon and ammonium sulfate in the third quarter, driven by strong demand for sulfur nutrition and favorable pricing [9]. Operational Challenges - The fourth-quarter performance may be negatively impacted by an extended turnaround, with an estimated $17 million unfavorable effect on pre-tax income due to maintenance and delayed ramp-up at the Hopewell site [10]. Earnings Prediction - The Earnings ESP for ASIX is -9.59%, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the fourth quarter indicates a loss of 37 cents, suggesting a lower likelihood of an earnings beat this season [12].