Tronox Holdings plc Investor Presentation April 2024 Tronox Holdings plc | tronox.com | Confidential & Proprietary 1 Safe Harbor Statement and Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Terms Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this presentation that are not historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about u ...

Core Insights - Tronox Holdings plc has published its 2024 sustainability report, highlighting significant progress towards sustainability targets and reinforcing its commitment to responsible operations and investments in people and products [1][2]. Sustainability Achievements - The company reduced Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity by 21% in 2024 compared to the 2019 baseline, primarily through increased use of renewable energy and process automation [4]. - Waste sent to external landfills decreased by 13% in 2024 from the 2019 baseline, achieved by producing less waste, recycling more materials, and exploring circular economy opportunities [4]. - Tronox achieved one of the lowest total recordable injury rates in decades, enhancing workplace safety for employees [4]. Community and Environmental Engagement - The company is engaging top-emitting suppliers to collaborate on reducing their GHG emissions as part of its Scope 3 emissions reduction strategy [4]. - Water management initiatives are being piloted at three locations to improve water consumption measurement and enhance stewardship [4]. - Tronox is leveraging rare earth concentrates from tailings to provide essential metals for the clean energy transition [4]. - The company is actively engaging with communities, executing key action items from its Reconciliation Action Plan in Australia, and has received approval for its next Social and Labor Plan in South Africa [4].

Group 1 - Tronox Holdings is one of the largest vertically integrated producers of TiO2 pigment globally [1] - The company operates mineral sands operations and smelting facilities in Australia and South Africa, producing feedstock material [1]

Core Viewpoint - Tronox (NYSE:TROX) stock is deemed unattractive at its current price of approximately $5.70 due to multiple significant issues affecting its operational performance and financial health [2][10]. Financial Performance - Tronox's revenues have declined over the past few years, with an average annual decrease of 5.6% over the last three years, contrasting with a 5.5% increase for the S&P 500 [5][6]. - The company's revenues increased by 4.2% from $2.9 billion to $3.1 billion in the last 12 months, while the S&P 500 experienced a growth of 5.5% [6]. - Quarterly revenues decreased by 4.7% to $676 million in the latest quarter from $686 million a year prior, compared to a 4.8% increase for the S&P 500 [6]. Profitability Metrics - Tronox's operating income over the last four quarters was $203 million, resulting in a poor operating margin of 6.7%, compared to 13.2% for the S&P 500 [6]. - The operating cash flow (OCF) during this period was $297 million, indicating an OCF margin of 9.8%, versus 14.9% for the S&P 500 [6]. - The company's price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is 0.3, significantly lower than the S&P 500's ratio of 3.0, and the price-to-free cash flow (P/FCF) ratio stands at 2.7 compared to 20.5 for the S&P 500 [6]. Financial Stability - Tronox's debt amounted to $3.1 billion at the end of the most recent quarter, with a market capitalization of $898 million, leading to a debt-to-equity ratio of 384.7%, in stark contrast to the S&P 500's 19.9% [7]. - The cash (including cash equivalents) of $138 million represents only 2.3% of total assets of $6.1 billion, compared to 13.8% for the S&P 500 [7]. Downturn Resilience - TROX stock has underperformed significantly compared to the S&P 500 during recent downturns, including a 61.2% drop from a peak of $26.24 on October 25, 2021, to $10.19 on October 27, 2023, while the S&P 500 saw a peak-to-trough decline of 25.4% [9]. - During the COVID-19 pandemic, TROX stock fell 66.7% from a high of $12.11 on January 14, 2020, to $4.03 on April 1, 2020, compared to a 33.9% decline for the S&P 500 [9]. Overall Assessment - Tronox's performance across various parameters is summarized as very weak, indicating that despite its low valuation, the stock remains unattractive for investment [10][12].

Company Overview - Tronox Holdings plc is a leading integrated manufacturer of titanium dioxide pigment and other titanium products, including specialty-grade titanium dioxide and high-purity titanium chemicals [2] - The company operates mining and upgrading facilities for titanium-bearing mineral sands, producing high-grade titanium feedstock materials, pig iron, and minerals like monazite [2] - Tronox employs approximately 6,500 people across six continents, showcasing its operational and technical expertise and vertical integration model [2] Financial Highlights - The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.125 per share, payable on July 2, 2025, to shareholders of record by May 19, 2025 [1]

Financial Performance - Net sales for the first quarter of 2025 were $738 million, a decrease of 5% compared to $774 million in the same period of 2024, primarily due to lower sales volumes and average selling prices of TiO2 and zircon[113]. - TiO2 revenue decreased by 3% or $21 million year-over-year, driven by a 1% decrease in sales volumes and a 1% decline in average selling prices, with foreign currency negatively impacting revenue by $7 million[114]. - Zircon revenue decreased by 22% from the first quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025, primarily due to a 15% decrease in sales volumes and a 7% decline in average selling prices[110]. - Gross profit for the first quarter of 2025 was $99 million, representing a gross margin of 13.4%, down from 15.5% in the prior year, largely due to lower sales volumes and prices[113]. - The company reported a net loss of $111 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to a net loss of $9 million in the prior year, with net loss as a percentage of net sales increasing to 15.0%[113][122]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2025 was $112 million, down from $131 million in the same period of 2024, with adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales at 15.2%[113][122]. - Adjusted net loss attributable to Tronox for Q1 2025 was $24 million, compared to an adjusted net loss of $7 million in Q1 2024[164]. - Diluted net loss per share for Q1 2025 was $(0.70), significantly higher than $(0.06) in Q1 2024[164]. - Net loss for Q1 2025 was $111 million, compared to a net loss of $9 million in Q1 2024, representing a net loss as a percentage of net sales of (15.0)%[154]. Liquidity and Debt - Total available liquidity as of March 31, 2025, was $443 million, including $138 million in cash and cash equivalents and $305 million available under revolving credit agreements[111]. - Total debt as of March 31, 2025, was $3.0 billion, with a net debt to trailing-twelve month adjusted EBITDA ratio of 5.2x[111]. - At March 31, 2025, the company's total debt was $3.0 billion, with net debt of $2.8 billion after accounting for cash and cash equivalents[135]. - The company's total outstanding principal balance on short-term debt facilities was approximately $212 million as of April 28, 2025[136]. - Working capital was $1.2 billion as of March 31, 2025, down from $1.3 billion at December 31, 2024[125]. Cash Flow - Cash used in operating activities increased to $32 million in Q1 2025 from $29 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to a decrease in income-related cash generation[144]. - Net cash used in investing activities was $95 million in Q1 2025, up from $76 million in Q1 2024, driven by higher capital expenditures of $110 million[145]. - Net cash provided by financing activities was $108 million in Q1 2025, compared to cash used of $12 million in Q1 2024, mainly from net proceeds of $115 million from short-term debt[146]. Restructuring and Charges - Restructuring and other charges for the first quarter of 2025 amounted to $86 million, primarily related to the idling of the Botlek plant[113]. - The company experienced restructuring and other charges of $86 million in Q1 2025, primarily related to the Botlek plant idling[164]. Customer Concentration - The company’s ten largest third-party customers represented 39% of consolidated net sales in Q1 2025, up from 37% in Q1 2024[170]. Interest Rate and Currency Management - A hypothetical 1% increase in interest rates would result in a net decrease to pre-tax income of approximately $9 million on an annualized basis[171]. - The company entered into two new interest-rate swap agreements for a total notional value of $250 million, effective September 30, 2024, to manage interest rate volatility[173]. - As of March 31, 2025, the Company has $950 million in interest rate swaps, with $450 million maturing in March 2028 and $500 million maturing in September 2031, aimed at stabilizing interest expenses and managing interest rate exposure[175]. - For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the interest expense related to interest-rate swap agreements was $2 million, a decrease from $8 million for the same period in 2024[176]. - The Company aims to manage currency risk arising from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, particularly in markets like South Africa and Australia, where revenues are primarily in U.S. dollars[178]. - The Company uses forward contracts and zero-cost collars as economic hedges for foreign currency transactions, particularly for its South African and Australian subsidiaries[179]. - As of March 31, 2025, the Company had notional amounts of 404 million Australian dollars (approximately $252 million) in foreign currency contracts to hedge against fluctuations in currency rates for its Australian subsidiaries' cost of sales[179]. - The Company has outstanding foreign currency contracts totaling approximately $71 million in South African Rand, $86 million in Australian dollars, $34 million in Pound Sterling, $60 million in Euro, and $39 million in Saudi Riyal as of March 31, 2025[180]. - The amounts recorded in interest expense related to interest-rate swap agreements included less than $1 million reclassified from "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" for the three months ended March 31, 2025[176]. - The Company recorded a net unrealized gain of $10 million in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" as of March 31, 2025, expected to be recognized in earnings over the next twelve months[179]. - The net unrealized gain recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" was $11 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to a net unrealized gain of $26 million as of December 31, 2024[176]. - The Company had no outstanding amounts to reduce the exposure of its South African subsidiaries' third-party sales to fluctuations in currency rates as of March 31, 2025[179]. Credit Rating - The company's credit rating with Moody's changed to a negative outlook as of March 31, 2025, while S&P maintained a B positive rating[129]. Contractual Obligations - Contractual obligations as of March 31, 2025, totaled $8.02 billion, including long-term debt and lease financing of $3.78 billion[147].

[Financial & Operational Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=First%20Quarter%202025%20Financial%20Highlights) Tronox reported Q1 2025 revenue of $738 million, a significant net loss, and maintained full-year guidance with new cost savings Q1 2025 Financial Performance Summary | Financial Metric | Q1 2025 (Millions USD) | Change vs Q4 2024 | Change vs Q1 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Revenue | $738 | +9% | -5% | | Net Loss | ($111) | n/m | n/m | | GAAP Diluted EPS | ($0.70) | n/m | n/m | | Adjusted Net Loss | ($24) | n/m | n/m | | Adjusted Diluted EPS | ($0.15) | n/m | n/m | | Adjusted EBITDA | $112 | -13% | -15% | | Adjusted EBITDA Margin | 15.2% | -390 basis points | -170 basis points | - The net loss includes **$87 million** in restructuring and other charges, primarily non-cash costs associated with the idling of the Company's Botlek pigment plant[3](index=3&type=chunk) - The company has initiated actions expected to deliver **$125-$175 million** in sustainable, run-rate cost improvements by the end of 2026[3](index=3&type=chunk)[6](index=6&type=chunk) - Full-year 2025 guidance is maintained for Revenue (**$3.0-3.4 billion**), Adjusted EBITDA (**$525-625 million**), and free cash flow (**>$50 million**), while capital expenditures are reduced to less than **$365 million**[3](index=3&type=chunk)[16](index=16&type=chunk) [CEO's Remarks](index=2&type=section&id=CEO's%20Remarks) The CEO noted stronger TiO2 demand, weaker Zircon sales, and strategic actions to enhance cost position and cash flow - TiO2 demand saw a stronger than normal seasonal uplift, led by Europe where sales volumes recovered to levels not seen since Q2 2021 following the finalization of anti-dumping duties[5](index=5&type=chunk) - Zircon sales were lower as anticipated due to weaker overall demand, primarily in China[5](index=5&type=chunk) - Strategic actions to improve performance include idling the Botlek pigment plant, which is expected to improve 2025 free cash flow and deliver over **$30 million** in cost improvements from 2026 onwards[6](index=6&type=chunk) - Capital expenditures are focused on completing South Africa mining projects, which are expected to improve the mining cost profile by **$50-60 million** from 2025 to 2026[6](index=6&type=chunk) - The company continues to advocate for anti-dumping tariffs in Brazil, India, and Saudi Arabia to combat competitive pressures[7](index=7&type=chunk) [Detailed Financial Performance](index=3&type=section&id=First%20Quarter%202025%20Results) Q1 2025 revenue decreased 5% to $738 million, resulting in a $111 million net loss and a 15% decline in Adjusted EBITDA [Revenue Analysis](index=3&type=section&id=Revenue%20Analysis) TiO2 revenue was $584 million, down 3% YoY but up 10% QoQ, while Zircon revenue dropped 22% to $69 million Q1 2025 Revenue by Product | Product | Q1 2025 Revenue (Millions USD) | YoY Change | QoQ Change | Key Drivers (YoY) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | TiO2 | $584 | -3% | +10% | -1% volume, -1% price/mix, -1% FX | | Zircon | $69 | -22% | -8% | -15% volume, -7% price/mix | | Other Products | $85 | +5% | +25% | Higher sales volumes of pig iron and ilmenite | [Profitability Analysis](index=3&type=section&id=Profitability%20Analysis) Profitability declined with a GAAP net loss of $111 million due to restructuring, and Adjusted EBITDA fell 15% to $112 million Q1 Profitability Metrics | Profitability Metric | Q1 2025 (Millions USD) | Q1 2024 (Millions USD) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Loss Attributable to Tronox | ($111) | ($9) | | GAAP Diluted Loss Per Share | ($0.70) | ($0.06) | | Adjusted Net Loss (Non-GAAP) | ($24) | ($7) | | Adjusted Diluted Loss Per Share (Non-GAAP) | ($0.15) | ($0.05) | - Adjusted EBITDA decreased **15%** YoY to **$112 million**, driven by lower sales volumes, lower average selling prices, higher freight costs, and FX headwinds, partially offset by lower production and corporate costs[12](index=12&type=chunk) - Sequentially, Adjusted EBITDA decreased **13%** due to higher production costs, lower prices, and higher corporate costs, partially offset by higher sales volumes[13](index=13&type=chunk) [Financial Position and Cash Flow](index=4&type=section&id=Balance%20Sheet%2C%20Cash%20Flow%20and%20Capital%20Allocation) Tronox ended Q1 with **$3.0 billion** total debt and **5.2x** net leverage, maintaining solid liquidity, with free cash flow as a **$142 million** use Financial Position Summary | Metric | As of March 31, 2025 (Millions USD) | | :--- | :--- | | Total Debt | $3,000 | | Net Debt | $2,800 | | Available Liquidity | $443 | | Net Leverage Ratio (TTM) | 5.2x | - The next significant debt maturity for the Company is not until 2029[14](index=14&type=chunk) - Free cash flow for the quarter was a use of **$142 million**, driven by capital expenditures of **$110 million**[15](index=15&type=chunk)[37](index=37&type=chunk) [Full-Year 2025 Outlook](index=4&type=section&id=Outlook) Tronox reaffirmed full-year 2025 guidance for revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow, expecting stronger second-half performance 2025 Full-Year Guidance Summary | 2025 Full-Year Guidance | Value (Millions USD) | | :--- | :--- | | Revenue | $3,000 - $3,400 | | Adjusted EBITDA | $525 - $625 | | Capital Expenditures | < $365 (Reduced) | | Free Cash Flow | > $50 | - The company expects the second half of 2025 to be stronger than the first, building on momentum from anti-dumping measures in Europe and potential benefits in India and Brazil[16](index=16&type=chunk) - A sustainable, run-rate cost improvement program is expected to deliver **$125-$175 million** in savings by the end of 2026, with the majority of savings realized in 2026[16](index=16&type=chunk) [Appendix: Financial Statements & Reconciliations](index=8&type=section&id=Appendix%3A%20Financial%20Statements%20%26%20Reconciliations) This appendix provides detailed unaudited Q1 2025 financial statements and reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to U.S. GAAP [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (U.S. GAAP)](index=8&type=section&id=CONDENSED%20CONSOLIDATED%20STATEMENTS%20OF%20OPERATIONS%20%28U.S.%20GAAP%29) For Q1 2025, Tronox reported net sales of $738 million, a $61 million operating loss, and a $111 million net loss ($0.70 per share) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations | (In Millions USD) | Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net sales | $738 | $774 | | Gross profit | $99 | $120 | | (Loss) Income from operations | $(61) | $41 | | Net loss attributable to Tronox | $(111) | $(9) | | Diluted loss per share | $(0.70) | $(0.06) | [Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (U.S. GAAP)](index=10&type=section&id=CONDENSED%20CONSOLIDATED%20BALANCE%20SHEETS) Tronox reported total assets of **$6.07 billion**, liabilities of **$4.36 billion**, and equity of **$1.71 billion** Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | (In Millions USD) | March 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total current assets | $2,193 | $2,155 | | Total assets | $6,069 | $6,038 | | Total current liabilities | $961 | $874 | | Total liabilities | $4,363 | $4,247 | | Total equity | $1,706 | $1,791 | [Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (U.S. GAAP)](index=11&type=section&id=CONSOLIDATED%20STATEMENTS%20OF%20CASH%20FLOWS) Q1 2025 cash flows show $32 million used in operations, $95 million in investing, and a $14 million net decrease in cash Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | (In Millions USD) | Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 | | :--- | :--- | | Cash used in operating activities | $(32) | | Cash used in investing activities | $(95) | | Cash provided by financing activities | $108 | | Net decrease in cash | $(14) | | Cash at end of period | $138 | [Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures](index=9&type=section&id=RECONCILIATION%20OF%20NON-U.S.%20GAAP%20FINANCIAL%20MEASURES) This section details adjustments to reconcile U.S. GAAP to non-GAAP measures, including Adjusted Net Loss, Adjusted EBITDA, and Free Cash Flow - Reconciliation from GAAP Net Loss to Adjusted Net Loss for Q1 2025 shows a primary adjustment of **+$86 million** for restructuring charges, leading to an Adjusted Net Loss of **$(24) million**[24](index=24&type=chunk)[25](index=25&type=chunk) - Reconciliation from GAAP Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 includes adding back interest, taxes, D&A, and an **$86 million** restructuring charge, resulting in an Adjusted EBITDA of **$112 million**[30](index=30&type=chunk)[34](index=34&type=chunk) - Free Cash Flow for Q1 2025 is calculated by taking cash used in operating activities (**$(32) million**) and subtracting capital expenditures (**$(110) million**), resulting in a free cash flow of **$(142) million**[37](index=37&type=chunk)

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated revenue of $738 million, an increase of 9% sequentially, primarily driven by higher TiO2 sales volumes [10] - Loss from operations was $61 million, with a net loss of $111 million, including $87 million of restructuring and other charges [11] - Adjusted EBITDA was $112 million, representing a 15% decline year on year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15.2% [11][14] - Free cash flow was a use of $142 million, including $110 million of capital expenditures [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - TiO2 revenues decreased 3% year over year, driven by a 1% decrease in sales volumes and unfavorable exchange rates, but increased 10% sequentially due to higher seasonal demand [12] - Zircon revenues decreased 22% compared to the prior year, driven by a 15% decrease in sales volume and a 7% decrease in price [12] - Revenue from other products increased 5% year over year and 25% sequentially due to higher sales of pig iron and opportunistic sales of ilmenite [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Europe experienced a stronger than normal seasonal demand uplift in TiO2 volumes, with a 12% increase from Q4 2024 [7] - North America also saw stronger seasonal trends, while competitive activity in Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia exerted pressure on sales [8] - The company is beginning to see benefits from antidumping duties finalized in the EU in January, resulting in sales volumes recovering to levels not seen since Q2 2021 in Europe [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on strategic actions to manage costs and improve operational efficiency, including idling the Batlik pigment plant in the Netherlands [9][18] - A cost improvement program was introduced, targeting sustainable run rate cost improvements of $125 million to $175 million by the end of 2026 [20] - The company aims to maintain its position as a leading vertically integrated titanium mining and upgrading producer [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted ongoing macroeconomic challenges, including inflation and high interest rates, impacting housing markets and consumer sentiment [18] - The company maintains its guidance for 2025, expecting revenue in the range of $3 billion to $3.4 billion and adjusted EBITDA between $525 million and $625 million [23] - Management anticipates stronger performance in the second half of 2025, driven by expected improvements in pigment and zircon volumes [23] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with total debt of $3 billion and net debt of $2.8 billion, with a net leverage ratio of 5.2 times [14][15] - Capital expenditures totaled $110 million, with approximately 49% allocated to maintenance and safety and 51% to strategic projects [17] - The company declared a dividend of $0.0125 per share in the first quarter [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on TiO2 volume growth expectations - Management expects a lift in TiO2 demand driven by antidumping duties in Europe and anticipated duties in India and Brazil [30][31] Question: Average utilization rate for TiO2 production - Historically, operating rates were above 80%, and management expects to maintain or exceed those rates [33] Question: European growth size in the quarter - European growth was double the normal rate from Q4 to Q1, indicating significant demand recovery [38] Question: Outlook for zircon market - Management expects measured growth in zircon, with only about 5% growth anticipated year over year [44] Question: Impact of Batlik closure on inventory and cash flow - The closure is expected to generate significant cash flow, with inventory levels decreasing over time [49] Question: Production costs and improvements - Management anticipates improved production costs in the second half of the year due to operational efficiencies and the shutdown of the Batlik plant [56][58] Question: Antidumping duties in India and Brazil - Management sees significant opportunities in India and Brazil, with expectations of increased market share as duties are finalized [62][64]

Tronox (TROX) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 01, 2025 09:00 AM ET Company Participants Jennifer Guenther - Chief Sustainability Officer, Head of Investor Relations & External AffairsJohn Romano - CEOJohn Srivisal - Senior VP & CFOAziza Gazieva - Vice PresidentCaleb Boehnlein - Equity Research Senior AssociateMichael Leithead - Director - Equity ResearchAaron Rosenthal - Executive DirectorJohn Roberts - Managing Director Conference Call Participants Peter Osterland - Equity Research AnalystJames Cannon - Equity R ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated revenue of $738 million, an increase of 9% sequentially, primarily driven by higher TiO2 sales volumes [10] - The loss from operations was $61 million, with a net loss of $111 million, which included $87 million of restructuring and other charges [11] - Adjusted EBITDA was $112 million, representing a 15% decline year on year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15.2% [11][14] - Free cash flow was a use of $142 million, including $110 million of capital expenditures [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - TiO2 revenues decreased 3% year over year, driven by a 1% decrease in sales volumes and unfavorable exchange rates, but increased 10% sequentially due to higher seasonal demand [12] - Zircon revenues decreased 22% compared to the prior year, driven by a 15% decrease in sales volume and a 7% decrease due to price [12] - Revenue from other products increased 5% year over year and 25% sequentially due to higher sales of pig iron and opportunistic sales of ilmenite [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Europe experienced a stronger than normal seasonal demand uplift in TiO2 volumes, with a 12% increase from Q4 2024 [6] - North America also saw stronger seasonal trends, while competitive activity in Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia exerted pressure on sales [7] - Zircon sales were lower both year over year and sequentially due to a slower start in China [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on strategic actions to manage costs and improve operational efficiency, including the idling of the Batlik pigment plant in the Netherlands [8][17] - A cost improvement program was introduced, targeting sustainable run rate cost improvements of $125 million to $175 million by the end of 2026 [19] - The company aims to maintain its position as a leading vertically integrated titanium mining and upgrading producer [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted ongoing macroeconomic challenges, including inflation and high interest rates, impacting housing markets and consumer sentiment [17] - The company maintains its guidance for 2025, expecting revenue in the range of $3 billion to $3.4 billion and adjusted EBITDA between $525 million and $625 million [22] - The management anticipates stronger performance in the second half of 2025, driven by expected improvements in pigment and zircon volumes [22] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with total debt of $3 billion and net debt of $2.8 billion, with a net leverage ratio of 5.2 times [14] - Capital expenditures totaled $110 million in the quarter, with approximately 49% allocated to maintenance and safety and 51% to strategic projects [16] - The company declared a dividend of $0.0125 per share in the first quarter [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on TiO2 volume growth expectations - Management expects a lift in TiO2 demand driven by antidumping duties in Europe and anticipated duties in India and Brazil [29][30] Question: Average utilization rate for TiO2 production - Historically, operating rates were above 80%, and management expects to maintain or exceed those rates [32] Question: European growth size in the quarter - European growth was double the normal rate, significantly influenced by reduced Chinese exports [37] Question: Outlook for zircon markets - Management anticipates only about 5% growth in zircon year over year, with a more balanced growth expected [42] Question: Impact of Batlik closure on inventory and cash flow - The closure is expected to generate significant cash flow and help reduce inventory levels over time [48] Question: Production costs and improvements - Management expects improved production costs in the second half of the year due to better fixed cost absorption and the impact of the Batlik closure [56] Question: Antidumping measures in India and Brazil - Management sees significant opportunities in India and Brazil, with expectations of increased market share as duties are finalized [62][63] Question: Rare earth extraction project status - The project to extract rare earths from tailings is still in progress, with prefeasibility studies ongoing in Australia [110]