Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter adjusted EBITDA reached $18.1 million, reflecting a 49% increase compared to the previous year [5][15] - Consolidated first quarter sales increased by 22% to $72 million compared to the prior year [15] - GAAP EPS for Q1 was $0.36, compared to a loss of $0.57 in the same period last year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fire Safety revenue was $37.2 million, up 48% from last year, with adjusted EBITDA of $10.1 million compared to a small loss in the same period last year [15][16] - Specialty Products segment saw a net sales increase of $7.5 million due to the IMS acquisition, offset by a $6.5 million decrease in the base business due to unplanned plant downtime [16][17] - Specialty Products Q1 adjusted EBITDA decreased to $8 million from $12.4 million in the prior year quarter [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Elevated wildfire activity in North America contributed positively to the quarter, particularly in California [12][13] - International markets returned to more typical fire activity levels, with increased use of retardant across several regions [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to provide high-quality products and exceptional service while delivering private equity-like returns [6][8] - The strategy is built on three operational pillars: owning exceptional businesses, applying operational value drivers, and operating in a decentralized manner [7][9] - The recent acquisition of IMS is expected to enhance the company's operational capabilities and expand its portfolio of proprietary components [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the retardant business has close to no economic sensitivity, while the suppressant business is largely tied to emergency response [40][41] - There is confidence in the continued demand for chlorine-free foams, with no signs of slowdown in customer conversions [45] - The company remains disciplined in its approach for the full year, focusing on implementing operational value drivers [23] Other Important Information - The company generated free cash flow of $18.9 million in Q1 2025 [20] - Capital expenditures were consistent with expectations at $4.8 million, primarily supporting growth and productivity initiatives [21] - The company repurchased 900,000 shares for approximately $8 million in Q1 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on EBITDA exposure - Management indicated that the 2% to 3% EBITDA exposure is primarily cost-based, with efforts to mitigate this impact [26][27] Question: Customer exposure to supply chain issues - Management noted limited visibility down the supply chain but does not expect significant demand changes [28] Question: Expectations for suppressants sales in Q2 and Q3 - Management expects improvement in sales as the year progresses, following a tough comp in Q1 [29] Question: Competitive dynamics in the fire retardants market - Management stated that the competitive environment has changed, with less likelihood of alternative chemistries being qualified soon [32][34] Question: Economic sensitivity of business lines - Management clarified that the retardant business has close to zero economic sensitivity, while the phosphorus pentasulfide business is modestly impacted by economic fluctuations [40][42] Question: Customer enthusiasm for chlorine-free products - Management has not observed any slowdown in customer enthusiasm for switching to chlorine-free foams [45][46]