Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported value-added sales of $269 million, down 2% organically year-over-year but up 4% sequentially [13] - Adjusted EBITDA was $55.8 million, representing a margin of 20.8%, down 3% year-over-year but with a 10 basis points margin expansion [14] - Adjusted earnings per share were $1.37, down 4% from the prior year but up 21% sequentially [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Performance Materials**: Value-added sales were $168.5 million, down 3% year-over-year but up 5% sequentially, with adjusted EBITDA of $41.5 million [15] - **Electronic Materials**: Value-added sales were $76.1 million, down 6% year-over-year, but EBITDA margin reached a record 23.4%, up 4% from the prior year [18] - **Precision Optics**: Value-added sales were $24.4 million, down 5% year-over-year but up 14% sequentially, with EBITDA of $2.2 million [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in the energy market increased by 28% year-over-year, driven by new and existing business [11] - Order rates improved double digits sequentially, excluding China, where tariff-related hesitancy persists [9] - The defense market saw record bookings of $75 million, up nearly 30% year-over-year [83] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its semiconductor footprint in Asia through the acquisition of Tantalum Solutions, enhancing its position as a global supplier [8] - There is a strong emphasis on cash flow generation, with $36 million in free cash flow reported for the quarter [6] - The company aims to leverage growth in the energy sector, particularly in new energy initiatives, as a key growth driver [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in affirming the full-year earnings guidance of $5.3 to $5.7 adjusted earnings per share, despite ongoing risks [22] - The broader semiconductor market is showing signs of improvement, with increasing order rates and customer inventories coming in line [9] - Management highlighted the importance of operational improvements and commercial strategies to mitigate tariff impacts [41] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with a net debt position of approximately $413 million and $257 million of available capacity on its credit facility [20] - The integration of the Tantalum Solutions acquisition is progressing well, with sample production for customer qualifications underway [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sustainability of Electronic Materials margins - Management indicated that while Q2 margins are encouraging, they may not be sustainable every quarter, but improvements are expected as market conditions continue to rebound [29] Question: Insights on the energy business - Management discussed growth in both traditional and alternative energy sectors, emphasizing the increasing demand for energy and the company's role in meeting that demand [34] Question: Updates on tariff risks related to China - Management noted that tariff rates have been reduced, allowing for better product flow, and expressed confidence in offsetting any remaining impacts through operational improvements [40] Question: Details on Conasol acquisition - The acquisition is expected to enhance the company's semiconductor capabilities in Asia, with initial sales anticipated in 2026 [50] Question: Outlook for automotive market - Management expects flat to slight increases in the automotive market in the second half of the year, while remaining optimistic about growth in other sectors [81] Question: Defense backlog and margins - The defense market is expected to provide improved margins, with significant new inquiries and bookings indicating strong future performance [83]