Welcome back to Overtime. Another win for the up andcoming defense tech sector today as Andre announced it is now the third supplier of solid rocket motors for the United States. Joining L3 Harris and North of Grumman, Andrew opening a full rate manufacturing facility in Mississippi, aiming to to produce 6,000 tactical motors by the end of 2026.Per year by the end of 2026. Joining us now for an exclusive interview is Trey Stevens, Andrew co-founder and executive chairman and a partner at Founders Fund. Trey ...

Core Argument - People affected by violence and conflict prioritize livelihoods over aid, seeking self-sufficiency and a better life [7][8] - The "American dream" of building a better life is a universal human aspiration [8][9] - Supporting small business entrepreneurs has generational payoffs and fosters hope in conflict-affected communities [15][16] Supply Chain Integration - Supply chain integration is an undervalued opportunity for small businesses to expand beyond local markets [18][20] - Small businesses often lack the networks, information, and know-how to navigate complex supply chain requirements [22] - Women-led businesses capture only 1% of total global supply chain opportunities, highlighting a significant disparity [22] Building Markets' Approach - Building Markets focuses on supply chain integration to support small business growth in conflict-affected areas [16][18] - Building Markets provides mentorship, certification assistance, and introductions to corporate buyers [23][24][25] - Building Markets has generated over $1.5 billion in contract value for small businesses, creating 75,000 jobs [26] Call to Action - The global supply chain market is valued at $23 trillion, representing a significant opportunity to address poverty and displacement [18][29] - Rewiring the $23 trillion supply chain can create effective and sustainable solutions for global challenges [29] - Leveraging the global supply chain can unleash the potential for a more just and inclusive world [29][30]

Trade Policy Impact - The world's biggest maker of copper cable applauds President Trump's planned 50% tariff on copper [1] - The tariff is expected to bolster the American supply chain [1] - Costs associated with the tariff will be passed on to customers [1]

Tariffs and Margin Pressure - Margin pressure from tariffs is expected to increase, creating uncertainty for retailers, manufacturers, and consumers regarding pricing and spending [1][2] - Frontloading is occurring, but domestic manufacturers are also raising prices, creating a dilemma for businesses [3] - The cost of tariffs will ultimately be passed on to the consumer [4] Supply Chain Strategies - Companies should consider absorption, deferral, pricing terms, cost engineering, and alternative supply chains to address tariffs [6] - Alternative supply chains require careful consideration of materials, output, resources, technology, and costs [7] - Africa and South America present potential opportunities for alternative supply chains [8][9] - Erratic supply chain decisions can disrupt a business; a gradual, accommodating approach is recommended [10][11] Retail and Consumer Behavior - Consumer retail is facing uncertainty, with retailers unsure of their future direction [15] - Trade shows are shrinking, indicating a shift towards live selling and direct-to-consumer platforms like Amazon and TikTok [15][16] - The focus is on acquiring new customers, upselling to existing ones, and increasing purchase frequency [16] Holiday Season Impact - Holiday inventory is expected to be unaffected by the tariffs at the moment [12][14] - Businesses should not become complacent and should continue to develop alternative strategies [14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter adjusted EBITDA of $57.5 million, up 12% year over year [5][10] - Adjusted net income for the quarter was $19.3 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, representing a 32% increase compared to $14.7 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, in the prior year [7][9] - Cash from operations was $6.9 million, while free cash flow was negative at $25.8 million, down $37.2 million year over year [10][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Surfactants and specialty products delivered double-digit adjusted EBITDA growth, while polymers adjusted EBITDA decreased slightly year over year [6][12] - Surfactant net sales were $430.3 million for the quarter, a 10% increase year over year, with sales volume growing 3% [12][13] - Polymer net sales were flat at $146.1 million, with a 7% increase in sales volume but a 7% decrease in selling prices [14][15] - Specialty product net sales increased by 11% to $16.8 million, primarily due to higher selling prices [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced double-digit volume growth in agricultural and oilfield end markets, while North American and European rigid polyol volume grew in low single digits [6][19] - Foreign currency translation negatively impacted net sales by 5% [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on customer acquisition, particularly in Tier two and Tier three markets, with over 400 new customers added in the first quarter [18][19] - The company is committed to developing next-generation rigid polyol technologies to enhance energy efficiency and cost performance [20] - The new Pasadena, Texas site is now operational, with expectations for full contribution in the second half of 2025 [21][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about delivering adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income growth, as well as positive free cash flow in 2025 despite market uncertainties [22][23] - The company noted that the high interest rate environment continues to restrain growth in rigid polyol markets [6][19] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate was 20%, lower than the normal range of 24% to 26%, primarily due to favorable discrete items from a tax audit settlement [10][11] - The company paid $8.7 million in dividends during the first quarter and has increased its dividend for 57 consecutive years [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Contribution of Pasadena facility - Management confirmed that the Pasadena facility is currently producing six products, with plans to produce over 60 products, and full contribution expected in 2026 [27][28] Question: Earnings contribution from Pasadena - Management indicated that Q2 is expected to show improvement but will still be negative, with positive contributions anticipated in Q3 and Q4 [32] Question: Decline in commodity consumer products - Management clarified that the decline is not due to intentional shifts but rather sluggish demand from consumer product customers [34][35] Question: Polymer business inventory costs - Management stated that high inventory costs were a drag on margins but are expected to improve in Q2 as those costs are cleared [36][37] Question: Down channel inventory levels - Management reported no significant overstocking in Q1 and noted strong volume growth continuing into April [43][44] Question: Customer mix and growth - Management confirmed that growth is coming from both Tier two and Tier three customers, as well as end market diversification [47][48] Question: Tariff impacts - Management indicated that while tariffs are a concern, most products are sourced and sold within regions, mitigating direct impacts [65][66] Question: Collaboration with customers - Management affirmed that collaborative work with customers continues without significant changes due to tariff announcements [68][70]