Avient's Earnings Surpass Estimates in Q4, Revenues Miss

Core Viewpoint - Avient Corporation reported strong earnings growth in Q4 2024, with adjusted earnings surpassing estimates, although revenue fell short of expectations Financial Performance - Earnings from continuing operations for Q4 2024 were 52 cents per share, up from 30 cents a year ago [1] - Adjusted earnings for the quarter were 49 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 48 cents [1] - Revenues for Q4 2024 were $746.5 million, a 4% increase year over year, but missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $751.2 million [2] - Organic sales increased by 5% year over year, driven by growth across all geographic regions [2] Segment Highlights - Sales from the Color, Additives and Inks unit were $467.7 million, up approximately 2% year over year, but below the consensus estimate of $479 million [3] - Specialty Engineered Materials recorded sales of $279.7 million, an 8% increase year over year, exceeding the consensus estimate of $277 million [3] Full-Year Results - For FY 2024, earnings were $1.84 per share, up from 83 cents per share a year ago [4] - Net sales rose around 3% year over year to $3,240.4 million [4] Financial Position - At the end of 2024, cash and cash equivalents were approximately $544.5 million, unchanged year over year [5] - Long-term debt was around $2,059.3 million, down about 0.5% from the previous year [5] - Net cash provided by operating activities for FY 2024 was $256.8 million, a 27% increase year over year [5] Outlook - The company expects full-year 2025 adjusted earnings in the range of $2.70-$2.94 per share, representing an 11% growth excluding unfavorable currency impact [6] - Projected adjusted EBITDA for the full year is between $540-$570 million [6] - First-quarter adjusted earnings are anticipated to be 76 cents per share, indicating a 6% growth excluding currency impact [6] Stock Performance - Avient's shares have increased by 8.8% over the past year, contrasting with a 3.2% decline in the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry [7]