Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is targeting a quarterly EPS run rate of $2, which is considered achievable with concrete plans in place [9][13] - Free cash flow generation is prioritized, with a guide of $700 to $800 million for the year, translating to approximately $7 per share [18][68] - The company reported a sequential negative impact of $25 million in Q3 due to inventory reduction efforts [17][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Engineered Materials segment, there has been a noted weakness in demand from China and Europe, while the Americas remained stable [6][7] - The Acetyl segment is expected to see flat performance compared to Q2, with no significant changes anticipated in the near term [98] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing the lowest demand levels in the Western Hemisphere for acetyl products in 20 years, with a 5% to 6% decline in volumes compared to the first half of the previous year [72][73] - The visibility of the order book has decreased significantly, with only two weeks of reliable orders in Engineered Materials [58] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on cost structure improvements and executing differentiated business models to achieve its EPS target [9][13] - There is an emphasis on diversifying the Engineered Materials business beyond automotive applications, exploring opportunities in drug delivery, performance footwear, and clean energy [94] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to adapt to changing demand and emphasized the importance of cash generation [18][37] - The company is prepared to pivot with demand changes and is actively working on controllable actions to improve profitability [13][39] Other Important Information - The company is undergoing a divestiture process, with the MicroMax project progressing well and expected to yield positive results in the second half of the year [102] - The company has extended its revolver to 2030, ensuring sufficient liquidity to address upcoming maturities [60][62] Q&A Session Summary Question: What end markets are seeing weakening demand? - Management noted a pullback in China automotive orders and some weakness in European demand, while the Americas remained stable [6][7] Question: How does the company plan to achieve the $2 EPS target? - The company has identified four controllable areas to improve cost structure and pricing, which will help reach the target, albeit potentially delayed [9][13] Question: Are tariffs affecting the tow business in China? - Management confirmed that the tow business in China is not impacted by tariffs as it operates through a joint venture [27] Question: What is the outlook for the acetic acid business in China? - Management indicated that the acetic acid business is currently breakeven and is pivoting towards downstream products for better margins [28] Question: How does the company view the current demand environment? - Management described the demand environment as uncertain, with customers reducing inventories, impacting sales [82][84] Question: What is the status of the MicroMax divestiture process? - The MicroMax process is progressing well, with management confident in achieving positive outcomes in the near future [102]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, net sales were approximately $64.4 million, down from $66.7 million in Q4 2023 [2] - The net loss for Q4 2024 was $7.2 million compared to a net loss of $3.2 million in Q4 2023, which included an $8.2 million gain on the sale of assets [3] - For the fiscal year 2024, net sales were $265 million, down 4.1% from $276 million in 2023 [4] - The net loss from continuing operations for 2024 was $12.2 million or $0.83 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1.95 million or $0.13 per diluted share in 2023 [3] - Gross profit margin in 2024 was 24.7% of net sales, down from 26.7% in the prior year [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Selling and administrative expenses in 2024 were reduced by $4.3 million or 5.8% of net sales due to planned cost-cutting initiatives [5] - Facility consolidation expenses were $2.5 million lower than the prior year, including additional write-downs of idled assets [6] - The company reduced costs by over $35 million in 2023 and further reduced costs by over $10 million in 2024 [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Existing home sales have declined dramatically from over 6 million homes per year to under 4 million, impacting the industry significantly [9] - The actual square yards of carpet chips have decreased by 25% over the last three years [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has focused on cost reduction and restructuring to align capacity with current volume, reducing the number of associates by approximately 28% over the last three years [11] - Investment in extrusion equipment aims to provide lower-cost raw materials and ensure a consistent supply [12] - The company is expanding its product offerings, including hard surface products under the TrueCore brand and enhancing its high-end wood program [13][14] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management noted that the industry has been in a recession for several years, with existing home sales at the lowest point since 1995 [9] - The company anticipates further cost reductions exceeding $10 million in 2025 and continues to manage working capital effectively [11][17] - The impact of tariffs on imported products is uncertain, but the company is prepared to take appropriate actions as needed [16] Other Important Information - The company closed a new $75 million senior credit facility, enhancing its financial position [8] - The company has maintained low capital expenditures except for investments in extrusion equipment [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: What percent of hard surfaces is imported from China? - Very little is imported from China, with imports coming from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and some from Europe [19] Question: How quickly can the company pass along price increases due to tariffs? - It is unclear, but it is likely that price increases will be passed on quickly as tariffs become impactful [22] Question: What was the amount of the Q4 inventory write-down? - The overall reduction in inventory was $9.8 million, with additional reserves made for excess inventory [25][26] Question: How soon will the company achieve the $10 million cost reduction? - The company is very close to that level today, with most of the reductions planned months ago [27] Question: Is there potential benefit from tariffs for the soft side of the business? - It depends on where the tariffs end up, but imports are not a major factor for the domestic tufted carpet business [34] Question: Is the full amount of $12.2 million available to borrow under the new credit facility? - Yes, the $12.2 million includes the $6 million excess availability [35]