AdvanSix's Earnings Surpass Estimates, Revenues Lag in Q4

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$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$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$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]