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Trinseo(TSE) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Business Segments and Sales - Trinseo PLC operates under four reportable segments: Engineered Materials, Latex Binders, Polymer Solutions, and Americas Styrenics as of December 31, 2024[34]. - In 2024, approximately 36% of total Engineered Materials net sales were generated in Europe, 45% in the United States, and 12% in Asia[39]. - The Engineered Materials segment's sustainable products represented 4% of its volume in 2024, indicating a core growth area[41]. - The Latex Binders segment holds the 1 position in SB latex capacity in North America and a Top 3 position in Europe, with 43% of sales generated in Europe and 31% in the United States in 2024[52]. - The Polymer Solutions segment generated approximately 48% of net sales in Europe, 28% in North America, and the remainder primarily in Asia in 2024[60]. - Copolymers, including ABS and SAN, represented approximately 41% of total net sales in the Polymer Solutions segment in 2024[61]. - In 2024, Americas Styrenics was the 1 producer of polystyrene in North America, supplying 18% of the styrene monomer capacity in the region[76]. - In 2024, net sales to CASE applications accounted for approximately 14% of total Latex Binders net sales, with margins about two times the average of products in the segment[55]. Sustainability Initiatives - Trinseo announced the opening of a PMMA depolymerization plant in Rho, Italy in June 2024, enhancing its sustainability goals[26]. - The company continues to invest in differentiated and sustainable product offerings, particularly in the compounding business segments and CASE applications[25]. - The company continued its recycled polystyrene efforts in 2024, including offering recycled polystyrene for food packaging applications[70]. - The company announced the opening of a PMMA depolymerization pilot facility in Rho, Italy, in June 2024, which produces high-purity regenerated MMA[114]. - The company started two more recycling demo/pilot plants in 2024, one in Terneuzen, Netherlands, for ABS dissolution technology and one in Rho, Italy, for PMMA depolymerization technology[114]. Financial Performance and Strategy - Trinseo's restructuring initiatives include product line shutdowns and workforce reductions aimed at improving profitability and cash flow generation[27]. - Trinseo maintains a disciplined approach to capital allocation, prioritizing debt servicing, targeted growth initiatives, and shareholder returns[31]. - The contribution to equity earnings from Americas Styrenics' polystyrene business was approximately 229% in 2024, up from 88% in 2023 and 71% in 2022[76]. - The company has received dividends of $45.0 million from its Americas Styrenics joint venture for the year ended December 31, 2024[169]. - The divestiture of the styrenics business is a key part of the company's transformation strategy, but the timing and success of this process remain uncertain[167]. Workforce and Corporate Governance - As of December 31, 2024, the company had approximately 2,950 employees worldwide, with 57% in the EMEA region, 26% in the Americas, and the remainder in Asia Pacific[124]. - Approximately 97% of the company's workforce is full-time, with nearly 70% located at manufacturing and R&D sites[125]. - The company has a commitment to equity and inclusion, with 36% of its Board and 33% of its executive leadership team being women[131]. - The company has conducted internal reviews to ensure equitable compensation practices across all jurisdictions where it operates[133]. Risks and Challenges - The company is subject to various risks, including volatility in raw material costs and the impact of global trade conflicts on its operations[139]. - Principal raw materials (butadiene, MMA, and styrene) account for approximately 48% of the total cost of goods sold, making volatility in their prices a significant concern for financial results[149]. - Increased energy costs and supply constraints, particularly due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, could adversely impact the company's operations and financial results[152]. - The company faces risks related to the integration of acquired businesses, which may not yield the anticipated benefits or synergies[170]. - The company is subject to numerous regulations that could increase costs and impact its operations if violated[174]. Legal and Compliance - The company has ongoing legal proceedings that could incur significant costs and divert management resources, potentially impacting financial condition and cash flows[197]. - The company is subject to covenants in its credit agreements that may restrict its ability to operate and take advantage of business opportunities[195]. - The company must meet a minimum liquidity test under its 2028 Refinance Credit Agreement and other facilities, which is dependent on future performance and general economic conditions[195]. Technology and Innovation - The company acknowledges that technological innovation and successful product development are critical for maintaining competitive advantage and profit margins[164]. - Cybersecurity incidents could compromise confidential information and negatively impact operations and reputation, leading to potential financial repercussions[210]. - The implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system has been paused, which could disrupt operations and affect financial reporting[211].